Safety in Epilepsy: Automatic shut off irons
People with epilepsy (PWEs) are at a higher risk of suffering certain injuries including bumps, cuts, fractures, concussions, and burns. Risks of injury are greater when the seizures the person has are associated with loss of consciousness, are generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or are poorly controlled, among other reasons. Some seemingly innocuous objects at home may pose a danger to someone who is living with epilepsy. One such device is the iron we use to iron our clothes.
Risk of Injury During a Seizure
If a person experiences a seizure while using an iron, they are at risk of:
Burns: They may fall onto or touch the hot iron for an extended period of time, resulting in severe burns.
· Risk of Forgetting to Turn Off the Iron
Some seizures can cause confusion or memory loss, potentially leading to forgetting to turn off the iron after use, thus creating not only a personal risk but also a fire hazard.
· Recommendations for People with Epilepsy Using Irons
To mitigate these risks, individuals with epilepsy should consider the following precautions:
Safety recommendations:
Iron in a Cool Environment: Ensure the room is well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature to minimize the risk of heat-related seizure triggers.
Take Breaks: Avoid ironing for extended periods. Take frequent breaks to rest and cool down.
Iron When Someone Is Present: If possible, iron when another person is present in case a seizure occurs.
Use Irons with Automatic Shut-Off: This is essential to minimize the risk of fire if the iron is left unattended.
Be Aware of Personal Seizure Triggers: If specific factors are known to trigger seizures, take extra precautions to avoid them while ironing.
Dangers of Irons That Don't Shut Off Automatically
Irons that don't have an automatic shut-off feature pose significant safety hazards including fire hazards, burns, damaged clothing, and electrical fires:
Fire Hazard: The most significant risk is the potential for fire. If an iron is left on and unattended, it can overheat and ignite nearby materials like clothing, ironing boards, or even the house structure. This is especially dangerous if the iron is left face down on the ironing board or on a pile of clothes.
Burns: Accidental contact with a hot iron can cause severe burns. This is a risk not only to the user but also to children or pets who may be in the vicinity.
Damaged Clothing or Fabrics: If an iron is left on, it can scorch or burn the clothing or fabric being ironed. This can ruin valuable items and create unpleasant odors.
Electrical Fires: Overheating due to prolonged use can damage the internal wiring of the iron, potentially leading to electrical fires.
