Home oxygen use has become increasingly popular among older adults as an effective and convenient way for them to manage medical challenges such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and heart failure. Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed short-term or as an ongoing treatment. Oxygen may be used continuously throughout the day, only when the person is active or exercising, at night during sleep, or intermittently when oxygen therapy is only needed occasionally. Regardless of when and how oxygen is used, precautions must be taken to keep both the person using the oxygen, as well as those living nearby, safe. Smoking and home oxygen have contributed to at least seven fire deaths in Massachusetts over the past three years.
Under normal circumstances, room air contains approximately 21% oxygen. When oxygen is used in the home, it can permeate into clothing, fabric, hair, beards and furniture. Contrary to popular belief, oxygen is not flammable. But it can cause other flammable materials to ignite more easily and to burn more quickly. When more oxygen is in the air, hair, plastic, skin oils, clothing and furniture can catch fire at lower temperatures. And those fires will burn hotter and faster than usual. Therefore, oxygen should always be handled with caution and an awareness of potential hazards.
It is important to keep home oxygen and tubing 10 feet away from heat sources. Common heat sources include radiators, space heaters, pilot lights, electric appliances, matches, lighters, cigarettes, lit candles, and fireplaces. Flammable products such as oils, grease, petroleum products and oil-based lip balms or lotions must be avoided. Instead, water-based lubricants should be used on the lips and skin.
Smoking while using home oxygen is not just a personal health hazard, it is a public safety danger. It puts everyone in the house or apartment building at risk. A person should never smoke while using oxygen. A “No Smoking” sign should be posted at a prominent place at the entrance of the home. Visitors should be encouraged to smoke outside. “Home Oxygen Safety” posters are available at the Westfield Senior Center.
Oxygen cylinders and vessels should be kept in a well-ventilated area and not in closets, behind curtains, in the trunk of a car — especially during the hot summer months — or in other confined spaces. The small amount of oxygen gas that is continually vented from these units can accumulate in a confined space and become a fire hazard. Oxygen cylinders and vessels must remain upright at all times. They should be secured to a fixed object or placed in a stand with the oxygen concentrator plugged into a properly grounded wall outlet. The cylinder valve should be turned off when the oxygen is not in use.
Oxygen equipment must be properly maintained. Concentrator filters should be changed regularly. Tubing should be cleaned and replaced, when necessary. It is easy for tubing to get damaged by being pinched in bedrails or run over with a vacuum.
If precautions are not taken, the dangers of home oxygen use are genuine. Cigarette smoking is by far the leading cause of burns, reported fires, deaths and injuries involving home medical oxygen, with 90% of the victims suffering facial burns. Cooking and candles are other common factors. Remember that the oxygen itself doesn’t combust, but an oxygen-rich environment can worsen any fire, causing it to burn hotter and faster. Home oxygen use can be a lifesaver if utilized properly. However, it can also be a major fire risk for users, family members, neighbors, and pets if basic fire safety precautions are ignored.
This is the second in a series of five “Retire the Fire!” articles this week in The Westfield News. Tina Gorman is the special projects coordinator at the Westfield Senior Center at 45 Noble St., Westfield. To reach the Senior Center, call 413-562-6435.
Previously in this series: Assemble info now for life-saving speed in an emergency
