This Charleston Burn Study was designed to determine the prevalence of the burn risks in the public school population in Charleston, South Carolina. Twelve schools representing a cross section of urban, suburban, rural and military populations participated in the project. Students completed forms that revealed their experience with burns and knowledge of safety and burn treatment. Validation of student responses was conducted by school nurses who attempted to determine the percentage of children accurately reporting burn exposure and experience. Data were complied in four race-sex groups (black males, black females, white males, white females) and two grade groups (K-4, 5-8). The correct validation proportions between the four race-sex and two grade groups were different. The proportion of correct validation was larger for nurses who knew the students' self-reported burn status at the time of validation. Most burns in the general school population were treated at home. The proportion of correct answers for the questions regarding emergency management of burns was different between groups. The analysis showed a serious underreporting of burn exposure and burn experience for black males. (Author/APM)