SOME HOME APPLIANCES THAT ARE VERY DANGEROUS TO HEALTH: (PART 1)
Dave Ikiedei Asei
21/01/2023
There are so many helpful and nice home appliances that make life easy and sweet. However, it is very pertinent that we know some of the dangers such equipment pose to human health and lives. Today we shall take a look at one of such items we commonly use at home and their dangerous effects on our health.
We will also look at some preventive measure that will help us to mitigate the devastating effect of such home appliances, many of which we cannot do away with. It is the cooking gas, a very essential kitchen appliance.
GAS COOKER-
RESEARCH FINDINGS:
Researchers from the School of Life Sciences at Napier University in Scotland and the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the University of Aberdeen Medical School in Scotland conducted a study on the use of gas when cooking.
According to the study, air pollution caused by gas combustion might cause inflammation of the lungs.
Researchers M Dennekamp, S Howarth, C A J Dick, J W Cherrie, K Donaldson, and A Seaton found that when lung cells were exposed to gas fumes, the cellular tissues secreted cytokines, which are naturally occurring chemicals connected to respiratory inflammation. The swelling may widen the airways and exacerbate existing breathing issues.
HEALTH RISKS OF USING GAS COOKER
- One of the negative effects of Using a gas cooker is that it can release carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) into the air, which can be dangerous if inhaled in large amounts. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death if exposed to high levels for a prolonged period of time. NO2 is a toxic gas that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and can cause respiratory problems.
LUNGS AND COOKING GAS
A study on the usage of gas while cooking was undertaken by researchers from the School of Life Sciences at Napier University in Scotland and the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the University of Aberdeen Medical School in Scotland.
The study found that burning gas produces air pollution, and that this pollution can lead to lung inflammation.
When lung cells were exposed to gas fumes by researchers M Dennekamp, S Howarth, C A J Dick, J W Cherrie, K Donaldson, and A Seaton, the cellular tissues released cytokines, which are physiologically produced substances linked to respiratory inflammation. The inflammation can enlarge the airways and make preexisting breathing problems worse.
SUBTLELY EXPOSED TO HIGHER GAS CONCENTRATIONS
Cooking gas fumes can have a high concentration level in the house, according to Dr. Mark Niewenhuijsen of the Imperial College in London. Lack of proper ventilation in certain residential kitchens raises the possibility of exposure to gas pollutants. Additionally, according to Dr. Mark Niewenhuijsen, many meals that are cooked with gas emit fumes, and these fumes, together with the gas pollutants, can be harmful to your health.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE HAZARDS OF COOKING GAS
- To protect against these dangerous effects, it is important to ensure that the gas cooker is properly installed and maintained. The vent hood and exhaust fan should be used when cooking to remove any harmful gases. It is also important to make sure that the kitchen is well-ventilated to allow fresh air to circulate. Additionally, CO detectors should be installed in the home to alert you if there are high levels of the gas present.
- Regularly checking the hoses, connections and valves of the gas cooker can prevent leaks which is a major cause of CO poisoning. It is also important to use the right sized burner for the pan or pot being used, as well as not leaving food unattended while cooking.
- It is also recommended to have an annual check-up of the gas cooker by a professional to ensure that it is working properly and safely.
*Another protective measure to consider is not to use a gas stove or oven to heat your home, as this can cause dangerous levels of CO to build up indoors. Additionally, it's important to not use the stove or oven to dry clothes, shoes or other items. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, immediately open windows and doors to ventilate the area, and turn off the gas supply at the main valve. Then, call a professional to check for leaks and repair any that are found.
*Very important way to protect yourself from the dangerous effects of gas cookers is to make sure that the room is properly ventilated. This can be done by opening windows and doors or by installing a mechanical ventilation system. Proper ventilation will help to remove harmful gases and keep the air fresh.
- It's also important to note that if you experience any symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or weakness while using a gas cooker, you should immediately stop using it and seek medical attention. These symptoms may be caused by exposure to dangerous levels of CO or NO2.
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