Health Department of Northwest Michigan. 3434 M-119, Suite A. Harbor Springs, MI 49740. Fax (secure) (231) 347-2861. Environmental Health - Permits. (231) 347-6014.
What are the classifications of burns? Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severely they penetrate the skin's surface. First-degree (superficial) burns First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example.
Burns are caused by a variety of external sources classified as thermal (heat-related), chemical, electrical, and radiation. In the United States, the most common causes of burns are: fire or flame (44%), scalds (33%), hot objects (9%), electricity (4%), and chemicals (3%). Most (69%) burn injuries occur at home or at work (9%), and most are accidental, with 2% due to assault by another, and 1-2% resulting from a suicide attempt.