Caution! Facial paralysis risk associated with neck fans

Portable neck fans have become increasingly popular as the heatwave persists. 

Nevertheless, a recent incident in Nanning, Guangxi, has sparked concern, as a seven-year-old boy developed facial paralysis as a result of sleeping with a neck fan on. 

Doctors caution that prolonged exposure to a fan that blows directly at the face or neck can disrupt the flow of blood, thereby increasing the risk of facial paralysis, particularly in infants and the elderly.

Additionally, neck fans raise numerous safety concerns.

• Design flaws: Rough materials and wide gaps in the fan guard of certain products can easily cause scratches or drag in hair, resulting in scalp damage.

• Fire risk: The use of substandard lithium batteries in low-cost products may result in a detonation or fire.

• Safety concerns: The cartoon-like appearance of certain fans may attract children, who may confuse them for toys, resulting in potential finger injuries if mishandled.

Experts provide the following guidelines for the proper purchase and use of neck fans to prevent the aforementioned issues.

• Ensure the integrity of the product by purchasing from reputable sources to ensure the product's integrity.

• In order to prevent safety hazards, inspect the product's surface and the openings in the fan guard.

• In the event of any abnormalities, immediately disconnect the power and adhere to the user manual.

• To prevent protracted direct blowing on the face and neck, restrict the duration of use.

• To prevent short circuits caused by water or metal objects penetrating the fan, ensure that it remains dry.

• Use the original charger to avoid issues associated with using unapproved charging devices.

• Ensure that the fan is out of children's reach.

In summary, it is critical to prioritize safety in order to avoid health complications, including facial paralysis, while basking in the refreshing wind.