Dødsulykker ved bygningsbrande: Rygning og alkoholmisbrug er vœsentlige årsager til en fordobling over 40 år

Translated title of the contribution: Death due to housefire accidents in Denmark

Peter M. Leth*, Markil Gregersen, Svend Sabroe

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

A population-based descriptive investigation of housefire accidents in Denmark was carried out for the two five year periods 1953-58 and 1988-93, based on death certificates, police reports and autopsy reports. The number of deaths due to housefire accidents in Denmark has increased (1953-58: 136 (66 men and 70 women), 1988-93: 362 (212 men and 150 women), mostly due to an increase in tobacco-smoking related fire accidents. In 1988-93 the three common causes of housefire deaths were tobacco-smoking, often in combination with alcohol intoxication or handicap (51%), cooking-accidents (10%) and accidents with candles (9%). The largest risk groups were chronic alcoholics, handicapped and elderly people. In conclusion, warnings should be issued against smoking in bed and use of loose-fitting clothing while cooking on an open fire. Protective aprons and devices for use while smoking, self-extinguishing cigarettes and use of fireproof materials in furniture and clothing may prevent ignition. Smoke-alarms may secure early warning.

Translated title of the contributionDeath due to housefire accidents in Denmark
Original languageDanish
Article number9627509
JournalUgeskrift for Læger
Volume160
Issue number23
Pages (from-to)3403-3408
Number of pages6
ISSN0041-5782
Publication statusPublished - 1. Jun 1998

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