Electric Blankets Safety Concerns
Old or damaged blankets concern fire safety officials internationally.
Electric blankets safety concerns. New electric blankets are a minimal safety risk but old damaged or improperly used electric blankets can pose a risk for fire or burns. They are unsafe for people with parkinson s diabetes or any paralysis. Understanding the dangers associated with these blankets can help you maximize electric blanket safety and reduce your risk of loss or injury. In the united kingdom it is estimated that 5 000 fires per year are caused by faulty electric blankets of which 99 are.
Like any electric appliance electric blankets. I ve become quite fond of mine and would like to know if in fact there are any health related concerns i should be aware of. The reasons that electric. The use of such blankets is of concern due to the combination of heat electricity the abundance of flammable bedding material and a sleeping occupant.
Since the standard for electric blankets was toughened up in 1988 most of the old problems of overheating and fires have disappeared. Dear alice i ve heard all sorts of bad things about the use of electric heating blankets. A raised core body temperature may cause harm to the fetus particularly in the first trimester according to pregnancy today. Dear snug as a bug an electric heating blanket can be warm and comforting during those cold and wintry months if properly used.
Electric blanket fires are largely a thing of the past. Electric blankets can be dangerous for seniors with cognitive issues like dementia or alzheimer s or for those who are incontinent. Learn how to avoid potential risks and who shouldn t be. Seniors may get burned by an electric blanket and should discard one that s over ten years old.
The electric blanket institute recommends against placing the cord. Thanks snug as a bug. Each year as more old blankets get replaced by safer new ones the number of blanket. The electric cord connected to an electric blanket can present a fire or shock hazard if it becomes damaged.