Behaviors of Children Ages 15 Months to Five Years Around Microwave Ovens

The purpose of this study is to assess the typical behavior of children ages 15 months to five years around a microwave oven. The UCH Burn and Complex Wound Center has observed scald burn injuries in young children operating and/or removing hot liquids from microwave ovens. The knowledge we hope to gain is the developmental age that a child is able to open and/or operate a microwave oven safely. This work may influence future microwave oven design to protect young children from microwave-related scald burn injuries. These injuries have resulted in visits to the emergency room, stays in the hospital and debridement and skin grafting procedures in the operating room.