Sizzling sidewalks, unshaded playgrounds pose risk for surface burns over searing Southwest summer

Sizzling sidewalks and unshaded playgrounds increasingly are posing risks for surface burns as air temperatures reach new highs during the searing summers in Southwest cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. Very young children, older adults and homeless people are especially at risk for contact burns, which can occur in just a few seconds when the skin touches a hot surface reaching up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82.2 Celsius). Last summer saw a dramatic increase in patients hospitalized after being scalded by asphalt, sidewalks and other hot surfaces at burn centers in Phoenix and Las Vegas. Hospitalizations are up this year as well.