Matchsticks are commonly used as a household item to create fire. But do you ever wonder if using matchsticks bring any health risks? In this article, we will discuss the potential health risks of using matchsticks.
Potential Health Risks
When we use matchsticks, we expose ourselves to chemicals such as phosphorus, potassium chlorate, and sulfur. These chemicals can cause harm to our health when we inhale enough of them. For instance, when we light a matchstick, it produces a small amount of sulfur dioxide. Breathing in a large amount of this gas can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Long-Term Health Effects
Long-term exposure to matchstick chemicals can lead to more severe health problems. Prolonged inhalation of sulfur dioxide can cause asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. Meanwhile, exposure to potassium chlorate, a chemical used as a bleaching agent in matches, can damage the kidneys, liver, spleen, and thyroid.
Safety Precautions
While matchsticks can have health risks, there are safety precautions we can take to reduce the risks. Firstly, it is important not to leave a lit match unattended as it can cause a fire. Secondly, it is recommended to light matches away from your face to avoid breathing in sulfur dioxide. Lastly, we can switch to alternative fire sources such as lighters or electronic ignition devices to reduce our exposure to matchstick chemicals.
Using matchsticks brings potential health risks, especially when exposed to chemicals for prolonged periods. It is essential to take safety precautions to minimize the harm, such as not leaving lit matches unattended, lighting matches away from our faces, and switching to alternative fire sources when possible.
