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In the context of burn injuries, a damage level of more than 50% of the body's total surface area is considered fatal for healthy adults. This threshold is significant because large burns can lead to extensive tissue damage, the loss of bodily fluids, and the risk of severe complications, such as infection and multi-organ failure.

Burns covering more than 50% of the body result in a dramatic increase in metabolic demands and can overwhelm the body's ability to recover, particularly in healthy adults who may not have underlying health issues. Therefore, when addressing burn severity, the percentage of skin burnt is a critical factor in determining prognosis and potential lethality.

Lower percentage burns, such as 20%, 30%, and even 40%, while serious, may still be survivable with appropriate medical intervention and management. The risk of mortality significantly increases as the extent of the burns grows beyond the 50% mark.