Electric blankets: who should not use them?

Created by DALL·E 3

Electric blankets can be a safe source of heat for most people. However, there are also side effects from their use.

Electric blankets must initially be used in accordance with current safety standards and Have a shut-off mechanism to prevent overheating or fire. It is also important for people to properly maintain their electric blanket and ensure it is stored properly to avoid problems.

There are two types of electric blankets: one that fits directly onto the mattress, and another that can be used like a traditional blanket. According to Columbia University, You should never use both types of electric blanket at the same time as this may cause a serious fire hazard.. There is also a possibility that blankets may overheat or cause burns.

Doctors may advise certain categories of people avoid using electric blankets. These include people with diabetes or circulatory problems and pregnant women.

Some people with diabetes Damage (diabetic neuropathy) caused by high blood glucose levels may develop. Therefore, they may not be able to sense the actual heat level of the electric blanket, resulting in overheating or skin burns.

As with diabetic neuropathy, an older 2008 study notes that a person with poor circulation may be less sensitive to heat levels. It’s connected with important role of the skin in thermoregulation, body temperature regulation system. Therefore, using an electric blanket may cause burns as people may not feel the blanket getting too hot.

Also Elderly people are another category of people who should consult a doctor before using an electric blanket.. The reason is that their skin may have altered temperature receptors, meaning they cannot tell if they are too hot. The same goes for people those suffering from dementiawhile its use is contraindicated for people with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.

A 2015 study notes that people with Parkinson’s disease may have difficulty regulating their temperature. In addition, people with limited mobility can bend or break the blanket’s internal wires, potentially causing the blanket to short out and, in some cases, cause a fire.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a person with the disease may experience changes in temperature sensitivity. Electric blankets may not be safe to use during pregnancy as they produce non-ionizing radiation. Some studies show that exposure to non-ionizing radiation may increase the chance of miscarriage. The study found that the miscarriage rate in the high-exposure group was twice that of the low-exposure group.

However, the World Health Organization says overall the evidence does not support that environmental sources of electromagnetic fields increase the risk of pregnancy complications. However, they highlight the need for further research.

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