Paraffin stoves, their uses and dangers
With the attention falling on alternative ways to use energy during March, which is Energy Month, some of the focus falls on the use of paraffin and how it is both positive and negative when used as an alternative energy source.
POLOKWANE – With the attention falling on alternative ways to use energy during March, which is Energy Month, some of the focus falls on the use of paraffin and how it is both positive and negative when used as an alternative energy source.
The majority of low income households around Polokwane are based in either informal settlements or low cost housing. These households use paraffin as their primary fuel source for cooking and heating, as there is in most cases no alternative for energy. As any form of energy there are positive and negative aspect to the product. The four main problems with paraffin use include unsafe stoves, fires caused by these appliances, the high levels of emissions given off by these appliances in small enclosed households and issues related to the storage of paraffin that leads to the accidental ingestion of paraffin.
On the positive side, paraffin is cost effective, and gives households that would not be able to make food or have heat otherwise an alternative to being without any form of energy.
Paraffin safety tips:
• Paraffin should always be handled with extreme care, as it is poisonous and can cause severe illness, even death if it is digested.
• Paraffin can cause severe burns, and paraffin stoves that are knocked over or explode are a major cause of injuries and fires in informal settlements.
One of the main focuses by many of the companies selling these paraffin stoves is the safety and prevention of accidents.
Prevention of fires and burns:
• Never leave a paraffin appliance unattended.
• Make sure paraffin appliances are on a flat, firm surface.
• Do not put a cloth under a paraffin appliance.
• Always have a bucket of sand nearby when using a paraffin appliance.
• Water will not put out a paraffin fire and can make matters worse by spreading the flames.
• Keep lighters and matches away from children and never store paraffin near matches, lighters or lit paraffin appliances.
Prevention of poisoning:
• Buy a pre-packaged paraffin in a container with a childproof or safety cap.
• Never store paraffin in a used milk or cool drink bottle as a child could mistakenly drink it.
• When pouring paraffin, use a funnel, not a cup.
• Keep children away from paraffin appliances and make sure that there’s enough fresh air to prevent them breathing in dangerous fumes.
Treatment of poisoning:
• Paraffin is poisonous, it can not be drank under any circumstances.
• If Paraffin is accidentally swallowed the person or child should not be given anything to eat or drink.
• Never try to make the person vomit.
