[Fatal accidents in house fires. The most significant causes, such as smoking and alcohol abuse, multiplied by four the incidence during the last 40 years].
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: 363 (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.
Leth
P M
PM
Aarhus Universitet, Retsmedicinsk Institut.
Gregersen
M
M
Sabroe
S
S
D000061:Accidents, Home / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000150:complications; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
Dødsulykker ved bygningsbrande. Rygning og alkoholmisbrug er vaesentlige årsager til en fordobling over 40 år.