Beware of Heated Humidifiers! Safety Alert Issued as Burn Accidents Increase Among Infants and Toddlers
Water Near 100℃ Spills When Falling
71 Cases in Last 4 Years... 77% of Total
Recently, the Korea Consumer Agency issued a 'Safety Advisory' due to frequent burn accidents involving infants and toddlers caused by heated humidifiers at home.
According to the Consumer Agency on the 6th, there were a total of 92 burn accidents related to heated humidifiers reported to the Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) from 2020 to October last year, of which 71 cases (77.2%) involved infants and toddlers aged 6 or younger. The Consumer Agency explained, "The high number of burn accidents among young children is closely related to the nature of heated humidifiers that boil water to emit steam."
In tests conducted by the Consumer Agency on 21 heated humidifier products sold on the market, simulating scenarios where infants or toddlers push or pull the humidifier causing it to fall over during operation, all products leaked water through the steam outlet upon tipping. In particular, rice cooker-type products that heat the entire inner pot (17 out of 21 products) had water leakage temperatures ranging from 97 to 100℃, which is very high.
Some products were found to have insufficient warning labels. Heated humidifiers are required to clearly state precautions near the steam outlet if the maximum steam temperature exceeds 60℃, and to have water level indicators so users can check the rated capacity when manually refilling water. However, among the 21 products surveyed, 2 products had inadequate warning labels, and 1 product did not have a water level indicator.
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Based on the results of this investigation, the Consumer Agency recommended that manufacturers develop measures to reduce leakage when the humidifier tips over and strengthen burn warning labels for infants and toddlers. Consumers were advised to place heated humidifiers out of reach of young children and install the products on flat, level surfaces without slopes to prevent tipping.
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