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What Are the Dangers of Oxygen Use Around Hair Dryers?

The use of oxygen delivery systems in the home helps people who suffer from respiratory conditions to improve the quality of their lives through greater independence. Despite the benefits of home oxygen therapy; however, there are also dangers. People who use oxygen in the home must learn and follow certain safety precautions. Smoking is the greatest danger to home oxygen users, but even common household appliances like hair dryers present a risk.

  1. Background

    • There is some confusion about whether oxygen is "flammable." Oxygen is not itself flammable, meaning the oxygen will not burn. It does, however, support combustion (burning). In combination with an open flame, heat source or spark it will ignite anything flammable in the vicinity, causing scarring burns or worse if the fire spreads. Since oxygen makes anything that is burning burn much hotter and faster than it would otherwise, fires spread quickly in an oxygen-enriched environment. There have been many cases of oxygen-started home fires causing deaths. For example, the Boston Globe reported on Jan. 25, 2010 that since 1997 there were 24 fire deaths and more than 50 serious injuries related to home oxygen use.

    Danger

    • As both a heat source and a potential source of electrical sparks, electric hair dryers present a double danger to the home oxygen-user. Problems with the dryer itself, with the cord or with a loose electrical connection can all cause sparks. In addition, electric dryers get very hot, produce hot air and make your hair hot (and can even burn it). Even the electric static produced by drying and brushing or combing your hair could be dangerous in an oxygen-enriched environment.

      The Ohio State University Medical Center advises that battery-operated hair dryers of less than 10 volts are safe. Nevertheless, you should clarify appropriate conditions of use with your physician or respiratory therapist.

    Misconceptions

    • Most home oxygen-users are aware of the risk of using electrical appliances for personal care at the same time as using oxygen. The oxygen-user will probably turn off the oxygen in advance and make sure the oxygen supply is turned off. Nevertheless, the oxygen will persist in the air for some time and also on the user's clothes, hair and body.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Keep the site where you use oxygen separate from the site where you use your hair dryer. Do not use an electric hair dryer at the same time that you are using oxygen and do not allow anyone else to use an electric hair dryer near the oxygen-use site. Clarify with your health care provider whether a wait time before use is necessary.

      You may also want to avoid electric hair dryers with power cords altogether and switch to the battery-operated type.

    Warning

    • Most of the attention about the dangers of home oxygen use has been directed towards smokers. If you have questions about specific appliances, clarify appropriate safety measures with a health care provider.

      You can also contact the National Home Oxygen Patients Association (NHOPA) at 888-NHOPA-44 for advice or direction to resources.

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