Dangers of Electric Heaters – How Dangerous?

If you make use of electric heaters at home, then it is very important to know the dangers associated with using electric heaters.

Electric heaters consume a lot of electric energy, which can be dangerous to health and result in the loss of lives and properties. Despite their advantages, electric heaters can be dangerous, so it is important to know these dangers and how to prevent them.

Despite the dangers associated with electric heaters, they can be avoided by taking simple safety precautions to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

Below are the dangers of electric heaters, some health problems regarding electric heaters, and how to avoid accidents and minimize the risks associated with electric heaters.

Effects of Electric Heaters

Electric heaters consume a lot of electricity that, when placed on combustive materials like clothing materials, flammable liquids like kerosene or propane gas can cause fire outbreaks that may lead to loss of lives and property.

As temperature decreases and cold or winter sets in, the need for alternative ways to keep ourselves and the home warm sets in, hence, the need for electric heaters because of their portability and effectiveness.

Improper use of space heaters can lead to electrocution and fire outbreaks. To avoid and prevent this, avoid placing the electric heaters close to the water or in the bathroom. Also, do not operate, touch or go close to the electric heater with wet hands, clothes and metals.

Constant use of electric heaters raises some serious concerns over health issues and healthcare professionals have stated that frequent use may cause illness and other health issues that may lead to death.

Negative Effects of Electric Heaters on The Skin

Dry skin is the common and most visible side effect of continuous usage of electric heaters at home because the heat from the electric heater takes the moisture from the air and it becomes dry.

When the air becomes dry and there is no moisture in the air, staying in that space or environment for long periods leads to dryness of the skin. If your skin is very sensitive, it will look rough and then become itchy.

Itching leads to redness of the skin and may also lead to minor injuries that can cause infections if not taken care of on time.

The dryness and absence of moisture in the air may also lead to:

• Dry lips
• Skin irritation
• Nose bleeding
• Skin rashes

Also, if you have infants at home and you make too much use of electric heaters, it could cause problems to their skin and blockage of the nasal passage which leads to running nose, bleeding, and skin rashes.

For adults, it may cause dryness of the eyes, which may lead to blurry visions and further lead to domestic accidents. Also, staring at the coils of electric heaters for long has been said to cause damage to the corneas of the eyes, which may lead to blindness.

Dangers of Electric Heaters to Health

Electric heaters have some health problems when used continuously for a long period, especially vented or combustion electric heaters.

There are several kinds of electrical heaters out there, some use oil to produce heat, and others use radiation to spread heat across the room, which can be dangerous as being exposed to radioactive emissions for a long period, poses a threat to your health.

The types that run on charcoal or fuel, radiate carbon monoxide which causes nasal congestion and other health challenges like damage to the respiratory tract, infections, and diseases.

The impurities and substances from the combustion of electric heaters can be dangerous when you breathe them in. When you take in carbon monoxide instead of oxygen, the carbon monoxide takes up the oxygen space in your body.

When the carbon monoxide mixes with the blood, it is dangerous, as it can lead to suffocation and unconsciousness due to the lack of oxygen in the blood. As a safety measure, never use a combustive electric heater indoors.

Prolonged exposure to fumes and harmful substances from electric heaters may lead to:

• Asthma
• Headaches
• Brain damage
• Heart conditions.
• Respiratory infections and damage

Breathing in the air without moisture can further lead to bronchitis, nose bleeding, and sinusitis. The usage of electric heaters for long periods will dry the moisture from your room and trap dust and disease-causing agents in the air that cause infections and diseases.

Electric Heater Safety Tips

One of the major problems with electric heaters is fire outbreaks, so do not place the electric heater on a tabletop to avoid falling off, do not keep the cables under carpets, and ensure to use electric heaters that come with a thermostat.

Since the discontinuation of use entirely is nearly impossible, it is necessary to put safety measures in place to help reduce the dangers associated with using electric heaters.

Here are some tips to keep you safe:

1. Always use a vaporizer to increase the moisture in your room during the long usage of electric heaters.
2. Take enough water or fluids to keep yourself hydrated and to avoid blockages to your throat and nasal airways.
3. Avoid using electric heaters for longer periods. Use it as an addition or alternative
4. Avoid using combustive and vented electric heaters indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. To avoid electrocution, avoid placing electric heaters close to the water and touching the heater with wet hands when plugged into a power source.

Conclusion

Electric heaters are potentially harmful to be used continuously for a long period. Electric heaters should be used as an addition and not as the major source of heating the home.

However, the risks associated with electric heaters can be prevented and also reduced when you use electric heaters as substitutes and follow safety rules which are in your best interest.

Despite the dangers and health challenges posed by electric heaters, if you follow laid down safety tips from the manufacturers of electric heaters and relevant authorities and professionals, you would be safe.

Always check your user manual for installation and usage guides, and also for safety tips to help reduce the dangers associated with using electric heaters.