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FDA/CPSC Public Health Advisory:
Hazards Associated with the Use of Electric
Heating Pads
(We encourage you to copy and distribute this Advisory.)
To:Safety Directors, Risk Managers, Biomedical/Clinical Engineers, Nursing
Homes, Directors of Nursing Hospices, Hospital Administrators, Home Healthcare
Agencies
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) have received many reports of injury and death from burns,
electric shocks, and fires associated with the use of electric heating pads.
These incidents have occurred in nursing homes, hospitals, and at home. In most
cases, they could have been avoided by careful inspection and proper use of the
heating pad.
Every year, the CPSC receives an average of eight death reports associated
with the use of heating pads. Most deaths are caused by heating pad fires and
involve persons over the age of 65. Heating pad fires can occur when broken or
worn insulation of the electric wires in the heating pad causes the pad to
ignite or when electrical cords are cracked or frayed.
CPSC estimates that more than 1,600 heating pad burns are treated each year
in hospital emergency rooms. Most injuries are direct thermal burns not caused
by fire. About 45 percent of those injured are over the age of 65.
An electric heating pad is usually regarded as a relatively "safe" household
product commonly used to treat sore muscles or joints; however, it can cause
harm if not used properly. A heating pad can be dangerous for patients with
decreased temperature sensation, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, patients who
have suffered a stroke, patients taking medication for pain or sleeplessness or
those who have been drinking alcohol. Prolonged use on one area of the body can
cause a severe burn, even when the heating pad is at a low temperature setting.
FDA recognizes that most hospitals today use a circulating hot water pad or a
hypo/hyperthermia machine on patients who require such heat therapy. The
temperature of these devices is thermostatically controlled, allowing them to be
used more safely on a sleeping or unconscious patient when properly supervised
by a health professional.
Individuals at particular risk for electric heating pad injuries are:
Infants, since the heating pad would cover a large area of their small
bodies. In addition, they may be unable to move when burned.
Persons who may be unable to feel pain to the skin because of advanced age,
diabetes, spinal cord injury, or medication.
FDA and CPSC recommend the following precautions be taken to avoid hazards
associated with the use of electric heating pads:
ALWAYS...
- Inspect heating pad before each use to assure it is in proper working
order; discard it if it looks worn or cracked or if the electrical cord if
frayed.
- Keep removable cover on pad during use.
- Place heating pad on top of, and not underneath of, the body part in need
of heat (The temperature of a heating pad increases if heat is trapped).
- Unplug heating pad when not in use.
- Read and follow all manufacturer's instructions on heating pad or on
outside package prior to use.
NEVER...
- Use on an infant.
- Use on a person who is paralysed or has skin that is not sensitive to
temperature changes.
- Use on a sleeping or unconscious person.
- Use in an oxygen enriched environment or near equipment that stores or
emits oxygen.
- Sit on or against a heating pad.
- Crush or fold a heating pad during use or during storage.
- Unplug heating pad by pulling its connecting cord.
- Use pins or other metallic fasteners to hold heating pad in place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A safety Questionnaire on the use of
electric heating devices
Q. Do you make sure that there is nothing covering your electric blanket when
in use, and do you avoid "tucking in" the sides or ends of your electric
blanket? __ Yes __ No
"Tucking in" an electric blanket or placing additional coverings on top of it
can cause excessive heat buildup which can start a fire.
Do not tuck in electric blankets.
Use electric blankets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Don't allow anything on top of the blanket while it is in use. (This includes
other blankets or comforters, even pets sleeping on top of the blanket.)
Do not use electric blankets on children.
Q. Do you turn off your heating pad before you go to sleep? __ Yes __ No
Sleeping with a heating pad that is turned on can cause serious burns even at
relatively low settings.
Never go to sleep with a heating pad that is turned on.
Do not use a heating pad if you are diabetic or obese.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An electrical heating pad sold on Hispanic television as
a way to help the overweight sweat off pounds can catch fire and has seriously
burned some people, government regulators say.
Consumers should stop using the "weight-loss pads" at once, the FDA said. The
product resembles a heating pad that can be wrapped around the waist, thighs or
arms.
The company agreed to write all customers beginning last week to inform them
of the recall, the FDA said, but the agency issued its own warning Thursday to
stress the hazards.
The FDA learned of the "weight-loss pads" when a fire department and an
insurance company reported suspicious apartment fires.
One customer suffered second-degree burns over the entire midsection of the
body and another suffered burns to the stomach and back when their weight-loss
pads caught fire, the FDA letter said.
The agency could not provide precise numbers Thursday, but the letter said
officials knew of "numerous other reports" of fires and injuries.
Our herbal heat packs are perfectly suited to Moist heat therapy.
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