After the rainy season, how do you cope with hot summer? As the heat continues, many portable fans are being released for summer.

▲ Many designs of portable fans are coming out.

It is because of its advantages like the convenience that we can use it regardless of time and place, and there is no concern about electric tax burden that makes most people buy a portable fan. The sales of portable electric fans were 26 percent in 2015, 38 percent in the following year, and 48 percent last year.

However, these portable fans have been found to be exposed ti safety risks such as explosion and overheating. According to the South Korea Consumer Agency's System, a total of 40 accidents about portable fans were reported from 2015 to 2017 in April. According to the cause of the accident, there were 20 cases of explosion, fire, overheating, while there were two cases of finger pressure and pinch. In May 2017 a portable fan exploded in an elementary school in Gyeonggi-do. As a result, 13 students were taken to the hospital, including two students who were near the fan whose legs got burned, and 11 people inhaled smoke. The Ministry of Public Administration and Security inquired consumers to follow safety rules to use portable fans more safely.

▲ In May, 2017 a portable fan exploded in an elementary school in Gyeonggi-do.

To prevent these portable fan accidents, when you buy portable fans, check the safety standards on the products like KC Mark and choose whose guard net is closely spaced and the fan blades are made of soft material. Especially, you should be careful not to use the portable fans for a long time because overheating may occur. Also, if you drop water on the fan, it is recommended that you stop using it because of the risk of an explosion or a fire accident.

▲ Please check KC mark when you buy portable fans!

After school, I can see many students who are using portable fans.The portable fan is small and convenient, but please follow the safety rules. Have a happy summer!

2018 July 14th, 유현희