Hair Dryer Safety
Hair dryers can be found in most homes today. If not maintained and used properly, hair dryers can cause electrocution, fires, burns and hearing damage. Does this Spark an idea?
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Water
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Do not use a hair dryer near water. If you touch water while holding a plugged-in hair dryer, you risk electrocution. Even if the dryer's switch is off, you could be injured. Unplug hair dryers when not in use.
GFCI
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The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends the use of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in bathrooms and kitchens. These should be installed by an electrician. Another option is to purchase a portable plug-in GFCI. Portable GFCIs are available at hardware stores. A GFCI can protect you from electrical shock.
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Cord Damage
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The copper wire inside the cord can break, especially where the cord plugs into the wall and near the hair dryer's handle. Broken wire can cause fires. Store your hair dryer with the cord wrapped loosely to avoid damage, and check the cord frequently.
Burns
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The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that hair dryers can reach temperatures in excess of 230 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the protective grills can remain this hot up to two minutes after the dryer is turned off. This temperature can cause severe burns.
Lice Treatments
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Treatments for head lice often contain malathion. Malathion is flammable, so you should not use a hair dryer when your hair is wet with a lice treatment.
Hearing
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Noise levels are measured in decibels. According to the National institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), noises at or above 85 decibels may cause hearing loss. NIOSH rates hair dryers at 90 decibels, the same as power lawnmowers. To protect your hearing, limit the amount of time you use a hair dryer.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Gideon
