Scientists: hot pavement will burn you like something hot

Dehydration. Sun stroke. Quickly standing up from a vinyl chair whilst wearing shorts. There's lots of danger to be found on a scorching hot summer day. According to a team of Doctors from the University of Nevada, we can add another warm weather peril to the list: hot asphalt.

From Gizmodo:

The researchers, who published their study this April in the Journal of Burn Care and Research, took a look at cases from their own universitys burn center unit. Over a five-year span, they found 173 reported pavement-related burn cases. By cross-referencing the days recorded weather with the date of these cases, the authors also found that the vast majority (88 percent) happened when it was at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit outside. And once it was over 105 degrees, the risk of pavement burn got exponentially higher.

While these cases might represent only a small portion of burn injuries that warrant medical attention, the authors say theyre an ever-present worry in areas where the climate is constantly hot and sunny, like the Las Vegas desert.

If you're skeptical, ywhy not conduct a little field research of your own? On an insanely hot day, take off your shoes on your front lawn. Now, walk from the grass onto the sidewalk and on into the street. Stand there for five minutes. Feel that burn? Congratulations, you're now a scientist. The University of Nevada will no doubt be eager to hear all about your findings/blistered skin. As the study is quick to point out, pavement can grow hot enough to cause a second-degree burn to skin that comes into contact with it, in seconds. Read the rest