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 contribution | Death due to housefire accidents in Denmark |
---|---|
Original language | Danish |
Article number | 9627509 |
Journal | Ugeskrift for Læger |
Volume | 160 |
Issue number | 23 |
Pages (from-to) | 3403-3408 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISSN | 0041-5782 |
Publication status | Published - 1. Jun 1998 |