Researchers caution parents to prevent electrical cord burns to the mouth

"Although we often worry about injury from toppled appliances, parents also should be aware of the potential for electrical burns to the mouth caused by a child mouthing the end or biting through an electrical cord," said David Chang, M.D., an associate professor of otolaryngology at the MU School of Medicine and co-author of the study. "In 1974, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 1,000 injuries associated with extension or appliance cord burns in a single year. Our study found that these injuries have decreased drastically to about 65 injuries a year. However, even one injury is too many when it can be prevented."

The researchers reviewed the Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. They found that 1,042 emergency room visits for pediatric oral electrical burns occurred between 1997 and 2012 -- an average of 65.1 cases a year. Nearly three-fourths of the visits involved patients younger than 5 years old. The majority of the injuries did not require hospitalization -- 77 percent of patients were treated and released -- while the remainder were admitted or transferred to a higher level of care. Most injuries involved electrical outlets, extension cords and electrical wires.

"These injuries are largely unintentional and avoidable," said Lauren Umstattd, M.D., resident physician in the MU Department of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery and co-author of the study. "Due to their curiosity, young children are particularly at risk for oral electrical burns caused by household electrical cords, outlets and appliances. These burns can lead to devastating functional and cosmetic complications, which may require multiple corrective operations. We want families to be informed and safe while enjoying the holiday season."

The otolaryngologists recommend the following tips to help prevent oral electrical burns:

• Install tamper-resistant outlets or outlet covers.
• Inspect cords for damage before using and check for damaged sockets or loose wires. If a cord is hot to the touch, don't use it.
• Keep unprotected cords out of sight and out of the way of foot traffic to avoid tripping. Don't run a cord under a rug, which may cause the cord to overheat.
• Be vigilant when children or pets are near electrical cords and outlets.