Although they may seem small, these items can truly be “ticking time bombs” that pose a serious threat to your safety.
There are many reasons that can lead to a fire. Among them are common household items that carry a high risk of explosion. A moment of negligence can turn these harmless items into a raging inferno, destroying everything in their path.
To protect yourself, families should be aware of and understand how to use these items to prevent any potential disasters.
1. Gas Cylinders
Gas cylinders are one of the leading causes of large explosions.
Gas stoves are considered common appliances in many households. However, they are also one of the primary causes of significant explosions.
It is important to note that gas explosions primarily occur due to gas leaks. The gas itself is not flammable until it escapes and mixes with oxygen in the air.
Gas explosions primarily occur due to gas leaks.
The principle of combustion is that gas combines with oxygen in the air to create a flammable mixture. If this mixture is exposed to a suitable high temperature or a spark from switching on lights, fans, or metallic objects like high-heeled shoes touching the floor, a significant fire or explosion can occur.
2. Lighters
Lighters are a hidden source of explosions that few people notice.
Lighters are familiar objects to many men, but they are also a hidden source of potential explosions that few pay attention to.
Specifically, gas lighters contain a certain amount of gas, and when the gas leaks (due to cracks in the plastic casing, valve leaks, etc.) into the surrounding environment (which contains oxygen), and encounters a sufficiently high temperature or an electrical spark (even a small one), it can cause an explosion, posing a danger to the user.
3. Batteries and Power Banks
Phone chargers and power banks are devices that store energy to provide power to your device’s main battery.
Many airlines prohibit carrying batteries and power banks in checked luggage to avoid the risk of fire and explosion. (Illustrative image).
Generally, lithium-ion batteries are composed of numerous positively and negatively charged plates stacked together and separated by insulating layers.
However, since the two electrodes are only separated by a thin insulating layer, in special cases, these layers can fail, allowing the charge to flow directly between the opposite electrodes, causing the entire battery to heat up quickly and potentially explode.
For this reason, many airlines have banned carrying batteries and power banks in checked luggage to prevent fire and explosion risks.
4. Refrigerators
It may sound strange, but your refrigerator can be a ticking time bomb in your home. It is essential to know that the structure of a household refrigerator includes evaporator coils, condenser coils, a gas cylinder, a compressor, and connecting pipes, where the gas cylinder pumps gas to the evaporator coils for cooling.
The risk of refrigerator explosions is commonly found in old units or those that have been repeatedly repaired or recharged with gas.
The compressor helps circulate the gas within the refrigerator; when the refrigerator operates, the compressor converts gas from a gaseous state to a liquid state and circulates it for cooling throughout the unit.
The risk of refrigerator explosions is often found in older units or those that have undergone multiple repairs, which can cause blockages in the capillary tube connecting the condenser to the evaporator, reducing cooling efficiency and leading to high system pressure, making it prone to explosion.
Additionally, a sudden voltage spike can cause the compressor to continuously inject gas into the condenser, increasing gas pressure and leading to potential explosions.
5. Perfume
Perfumes contain alcohol, a highly volatile and flammable component.
Is perfume an explosive material? Many may find this absurd, but the truth is that it can become a time bomb if left in a hot car or exposed to high temperatures.
Perfume contains alcohol, which is highly volatile and flammable. If a lens-shaped perfume bottle is placed in a car and exposed to sunlight, it can create a focal point that ignites the alcohol inside, potentially leading to a severe explosion.
6. Mini Fire Extinguishers
We know that mini fire extinguishers are considered “guardian angels”, essential items in every car. However, if not stored correctly, they can completely backfire and become “ticking time bombs” that threaten your life at any moment.
Mini fire extinguishers typically contain powder, using nitrogen (N2) as a propellant to spray the powder to extinguish the fire.
Fire extinguishers should be stored in a cool place with temperatures not exceeding 55 degrees Celsius.
However, fire extinguishers must be kept in cool conditions, avoiding proximity to high temperatures or outdoor areas, with an appropriate temperature range from -10 degrees Celsius to 55 degrees Celsius.
If exposed to excessive heat, such as direct sunlight, it can cause the volume of the extinguisher to increase, leading to dangerously high internal pressure and potential explosion.
7. Microwave Ovens
When using a microwave oven, remember certain items that should not be placed inside.
Microwave ovens are devices that most households in large cities use. In reality, this appliance does not inherently cause fires or explosions, but if homeowners do not know how to use it properly, the likelihood of it becoming an explosive device is quite high.
Therefore, when using a microwave oven, you should remember not to put certain items inside, such as: metal objects or patterned items, paper bags, aluminum foil, plastic items, eggs with shells, styrofoam containers, glass bottles, vacuum flasks, and more. These items can inadvertently create electrical sparks inside the oven and cause fires or explosions.
8. Water Heaters
Water heaters are electrical appliances designed similarly to kettles for heating water. While incidents rarely occur during use, water heaters are not always in a safe condition. Regular checks and the installation of anti-shock and anti-explosion systems are necessary to prevent potential electrical leaks that could lead to explosions.
9. Electric Bicycles and Motorcycles
There have been many cases of electric bicycle and motorcycle batteries spontaneously exploding during charging.
As convenient vehicles, electric motorcycles and bicycles are also listed among items that can cause fires and explosions. In fact, there have been numerous reports of electric bike batteries spontaneously exploding or short-circuiting during charging, posing significant risks to users.
To prevent the risk of fires and explosions while using electric vehicles, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department recommends that users regularly check the charging process to detect and address issues immediately; stop charging before leaving home or going to bed, and never charge overnight without adult supervision.
