Be careful next time you heat something in the microwave. Hot microwaved liquids pose a significant burn threat to children as young as 18 months old, according to a new study.

Researchers reviewed medical records of children ages 4 and younger who were admitted to the University of Chicago Burn Center between Jan. 1, 2002, and Dec. 31, 2004. Of the 118 unintentional burn injuries, 14 were tap water scalds, and 94 were due to hot cooking or drinking liquids, including 26 related to microwave use.

Specifically, nine children (8.7 percent) between the ages of 18 months and 4 were scalded after opening a microwave oven and removing a hot substance themselves, and 17 (16.3 percent) were burned while an older child, ages 7 to 14, was cooking, carrying a scalding substance, or supervising a younger child.

As burn injuries are extremely painful and can cause scarring and physical limitations, the study authors recommend prevention strategies and messages that address a broader range of liquid safety hazards, including microwave dangers. In addition, the study authors recommend changes in microwave design to prevent child entry.