Some studies have indicated that 39% of patients with COPD still smoke with oxygen concentrators. Even though nationwide oxygen tank providers know that smoking addiction is difficult to overcome, smokers who continue to smoke while using their portable oxygen concentrators are putting themselves at great risk, not just from a health stand point, but also from a physical standpoint.
Portable oxygen concentrators deliver purified, concentrated air to the user because the user’s lungs are incapable of working at their full potential. An open flame near such highly concentrated oxygen has a very high probability of catching fire. In fact, there have been numerous cases of house fires erupting from the combination of open flame and these devices.
The danger of house fires increases for smokers who use home oxygen concentrators. The air we breathe is composed of 20% oxygen, the air coming from home and portable oxygen concentrators is almost 100% pure. Patients who use these home devices may not realize that even after they have shut the machine off, a lot of pure oxygen has accumulated in the room, so lighting a cigarette could have potentially fatal consequences.
Of course, it is best to not smoke at all, but if a COPD patient continues smoking with oxygen concentrators, they must be educated on the potential risks involved in using pure oxygen around flames. The market for these types of devices is booming, and more people are turning to them for help, which means that the chance of house fires and explosions are increasing.
Oxygen Always is an online provider of traditional home and portable oxygen concentrators. Our company is a leader in this market and is staffed by professionals who know that it is important to stay up-to-date on all of the risks associated with owning an oxygen concentrator. For more information and industry news, check out our blog.
At Oxygen Always, our oxygen therapy specialists strive to provide better quality of life with our premium stationary, portable, and pre-owned oxygen concentrators. Our company focuses respiratory health services to deliver exceptional oxygen therapy at home. Our priorities extend to more than just oxygen concentrators, but to remarkable customer support to find the best oxygen concentrator for your specific needs. If you are looking for top-quality pre-owned, home, or portable oxygen concentrators, contact our specialists today!
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