Tag: Water heater temperature

Tap water scald burns cause an estimated 1,500 hospital admissions and 100 deaths per year in the United States. Understanding the answer to, 'Is 120 degree water safe?' is crucial for preventing these avoidable injuries while also managing bacterial risks.

The human pain threshold for heat is typically reached at temperatures between 106 and 109°F, which confirms that water at 120°F will be experienced as painful upon contact. Understanding the intensity of this heat is crucial for preventing scald injuries, especially with prolonged exposure, which poses a severe risk.