CHELTENHAM: Mira Showers has welcomed the results of a study by academics at a leading university that conclusively proves the safety benefits of thermostatic mixing valves.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are calling for thermostatic mixer valves to be fitted as standard after their studies showed that the valves significantly reduce the risk of scalding.
Mira Showers, together with its subsidiary Rada and other members of the Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers' Association, have always stated that the valves provided the optimum solution for providing safe, hygienic hot water.
The study, carried out in partnership with Glasgow Housing Association, found that using a thermostatic mixer valve to run a bath should cut the risk of scalding by significantly lowering the temperature of hot bath water.
Families with a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) fitted to the hot and cold water pipes in their bathroom had bath water temperatures that were up to 11˚C cooler than those without and their baths were within the recommended temperature of 46˚C.
"Scalds place a significant financial burden on the NHS and society. In 2009, the total cost of scald injuries and deaths from hot tap water was estimated to be £61 million," said professor Denise Kendrick, of Nottingham University's Division of Primary Care, the leader of the study.
"Thermostatic mixing valves are the sensible way to deliver water that is both sanitary and safe," said Roger Crabb, Mira's marketing manager.
