621 Successfully Advocating to Make Microwave Ovens “child-resistant” to Protect Young Children from Severe Scalds

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Scald burn injuries are the leading cause of burn-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations for young children. An increasing portion of these injuries occur when children are removing items from microwave ovens. Many of these occur on the face/chest and can have lifelong physical, functional, aesthetic and psychological consequences. Over the past 15 years we have published a series of studies supporting our advocacy for a change in microwave oven design to protect children from severe scalds. Requiring microwave oven doors to be more difficult for a child to open would help to protect young children from these types of burn injuries. Our analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System found an estimated 7000 young children were treated in US emergency departments over the last decade for burns suffered when the child opened a microwave oven door and spilled the heated contents. This report describes our continued research and advocacy to finally get a regulatory agency to pass a “child-safety” mechanism for opening microwave doors. Methods In the United States, microwave ovens must meet the published microwave standard administered by Underwriters Laboratories (UL 923). In 2013, we formally proposed a change in the standard which underwent a voting process by the Standards Technical Panel. Microwave makers are well represented on the panel. This attempt did not pass. We continued to publish focused research, presented at national meetings, enlisted engineering students to design “child-resistant” microwave doors to demonstrate feasibility, and created a video to put a face to the statistics. In 2017, we became active members of a National Task Group convened by UL, and two authors became voting members on the 17 member microwave Standards Technical Panel. A new proposal was introduced by the Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers requiring “two distinct actions” to make it more difficult for a young child to open a microwave oven door. Multiple concerns were addressed including those related to the impact on seniors. We lobbied members who appeared undecided. Results On September 17, 2018, the UL 923 STP voted by a narrow margin to pass the measure. In the future, new microwave ovens sold in the United States will be required to be made with “child-resistant doors”. Conclusions Research and advocacy work together to protect children. Child scald risk will be reduced as microwaves with child-resistant doors replace current models. Applicability of Research to Practice Our research demonstrated that very young children are able to open microwave ovens putting them at risk for burn injuries. We worked diligently through various advocacy channels to actively improve the safety of microwave ovens. With the approved changes for future microwave design requirements, research and advocacy have now resulted in practice changes.