As temperatures soar into the triple digits, Banner Health urges the community to be cautious of pavement burns. An emergency room physician emphasizes the increasing incidence of severe burns from hot pavement during summer.
Pavement can reach temperatures of 40 to 60 degrees hotter than the air, quickly causing severe burns. For instance, 100-degree air temperature can lead to pavement temperatures between 140 and 160 degrees. Skin can sustain burns in two minutes at 125 degrees and in less than one minute at 131 degrees.
In addition to pavement, artificial grass, plastic, and synthetic surfaces around pools can also cause burns. Physicians advise wearing closed-toed shoes to protect against these hazards and avoiding walking barefoot. Immediate first aid for burns includes rinsing with cold water and seeking medical attention for severe cases.
Stay vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid pavement burns as the extreme summer heat continues.
