Name: Anonymous 2008-06-04 0:37
The Korea Consumer Protection Board (KCPB), a South Korean government-funded public agency, issued a consumer safety alert in 2006 warning that "asphyxiation from electric fans and air conditioners" was among South Korea's five most common seasonal summer accidents or injuries, according to data they collected. Also included among the five hazards were air conditioner explosions and opportunistic pathogens harbored in air conditioners. According to the KCPB:
"If bodies are exposed to electric fans or air conditioners for too long, it causes bodies to lose water and causes hypothermia. If directly in contact with an air current from a fan, this could lead to death from the increase of carbon dioxide saturation concentration and decrease of oxygen concentration. The risks are higher for the elderly and patients with respiratory problems. From 2003 to 2005, a total of 20 cases were reported through the CISS involving asphyxiations caused by leaving electric fans and air conditioners on while sleeping. To prevent asphyxiation, timers should be set, wind direction should be rotated and doors should be left open."
"If bodies are exposed to electric fans or air conditioners for too long, it causes bodies to lose water and causes hypothermia. If directly in contact with an air current from a fan, this could lead to death from the increase of carbon dioxide saturation concentration and decrease of oxygen concentration. The risks are higher for the elderly and patients with respiratory problems. From 2003 to 2005, a total of 20 cases were reported through the CISS involving asphyxiations caused by leaving electric fans and air conditioners on while sleeping. To prevent asphyxiation, timers should be set, wind direction should be rotated and doors should be left open."