The Dangers of Smoking When Oxygen Is in Use

Smoking is a habit that poses significant health risks, affecting not only the smoker but also those around them. However, the dangers of smoking move from a long-term health risk to an immediate danger when oxygen is in use.

Oxygen is a critical component in medical treatment for individuals with respiratory conditions, and combining smoking with oxygen therapy can have severe consequences. Sadly, according to the National Fire Protection Association, home oxygen fires claim a life every 4 days.

What are the dangers of smoking when oxygen is in use? 

First and foremost, smoking in a home or facility where oxygen is in use is a serious fire hazard. Oxygen supports combustion, making any flammable substance, including cigarettes, more likely to ignite and burn. When a lit cigarette comes into contact with oxygen-rich air or oxygen equipment, the risk of fire significantly increases. Smoking near oxygen tanks, concentrators, or masks is an extremely dangerous practice that can lead to catastrophic consequences. Even a small spark can trigger an explosive fire, causing severe injuries, property damage, and loss of life.

Oxygen molecules can cling to clothing, hair, and skin and ignite upon contact with a flame. Even when the oxygen supply has been turned off, oxygen will have built up enough that clothing remains highly flammable. Hair spray and other aerosol sprays are also very flammable and should not be used around oxygen – as are vapor rubs, petroleum jelly, and oil-based hand lotions. Water-based lotions should be used instead.

Once a fire starts in an oxygen-rich environment, it can spread rapidly. Oxygen acts as a fuel source, intensifying the flames and making them more difficult to extinguish. This quick spread of fire can put not only the smoker but also everyone in the vicinity at great risk.

Oxygen Safety Tips 

Oxygen can be used safely at home. Follow these tips to prevent fire:

• Always secure the oxygen cylinder to keep it from falling.
• Make sure the regulator is turned all the way off when not in use.
• Keep the oxygen system at least five feet from any electrical appliances, including tv, radio, fans, etc.
• Keep the oxygen system away from open flames or heating sources such as furnaces and gas or wood-burning stoves at a minimum of 25 feet.
• DO NOT SMOKE in the room when oxygen is in use.
• DO NOT USE petroleum-based products, hair spray, or other flammable products in the room when oxygen is in use.
• DO NOT USE electric blankets or heating pads when oxygen is in use.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher readily available and visible.
• Check oxygen equipment regularly.
• If a leak or any other problem is suspected with your oxygen equipment, report this immediately to your healthcare provider.
• DO NOT SMOKE in the room after oxygen has been used in that room for a minimum of 8 hours or more.

Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care provides support to patients and families dealing with terminal illness. To learn more about our services, please call 1-888-564-3405.

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