It's been mentioned many times that there were "third degree burns". When I long ago read a definition, it said 3rd degree burns involve charred skin. That may not be quite accurate, but something still seems off. When I brew coffee or handle a pot of boiling water in the kitchen, I don't feel as though I'm risking "third degree burns".

Regardless of whether you feel you're risking third degree burns, you are.

http://www.burnfoundation.org/programs/resource.cfm?c=1&a=3

> Hot Water Causes Third Degree Burns… …in 1 second at 156º …in 2 seconds at 149º …in 5 seconds at 140º …in 15 seconds at 133º.

Sure, but I was referring to a spill. If I spill hot water on myself, I don't expect the consequences to be the same as being immersed in it at constant temperature. Both because the time is short and it cools as it falls and spatters.

I mean, I have spilled boiling water on myself occasionally and I don't think I got third degree burns.

Although maybe I'm just comfortably numb.

When you drive a car you probably don't feel like you're risking fatal road accidents happen either but it happens.

Third degree burns happen with boiling hot water, any boiling water is dangerous and potentially lethal if mishandled. People underestimate the energy stored in that water.