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Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
The heatwave hacks that could prove DEADLY: Experts urge Brits not to attempt to create 'DIY AC units' by attaching frozen towels to their fans
Britain is in the midst of an intense heatwave - with parts of the country set to experience record-breaking temperatures of up to 36°C today. To cope with the heat, many desperate Brits are getting creative with their fans. Thousands of videos have been posted on TikTok advising on how to adapt your basic fan to create a 'DIY AC unit'. While you might be tempted to try one of these heatwave hacks, experts have warned that some could prove deadly. The hacks to avoid are those that involve water or ice, according to Electrical Safety First. 'Water and electricity don't mix,' said Luke Osborne, technical director at Electrical Safety First. 'Anything that is frozen will eventually melt and will potentially drench your fan in water. 'This water risks not only coming into contact with the motor but any surrounding plug sockets and will really increase the risk of an electric shock.' @ao Try this fan hack to keep your home cool! 🧊 #heatwave #fan #summer ♬ original sound - AO Lets Go One of the most popular heatwave hacks on TikTok sees users attach frozen bottles of water to the back of their fan. While this initially helps to circulate cooler air around the room, it could end in disaster, according to Mr Osborne. 'This mindless "hack" is not only dangerous but ineffective too,' he explained. 'The frozen bottles of water will inevitably melt, creating condensation on the outside of the bottle. 'This will create water droplets that risk coming into contact with the motor of the fan, increasing your risk of electric shock. 'You're also adding weight to your fan that it's not designed to handle, which may put unnecessary stress on your fans motor and risk damaging your device. 'Whilst you may find you get a few seconds of relief, this hack is pointless in that it won't supply enough cold air to reduce the temperature across a room.' Other users have opted to place frozen towels over the tops of their fan in a bid to produce colder air. What's behind the UK heatwave? The UK is on the edge of a 'heat dome' over continental Europe which has pushed temperatures to extreme highs in Spain, Italy and Greece. Dr Akshay Deoras, from the University of Reading, says this is 'bringing stable, mostly cloudless weather and drawing in hot, dry air from the south'. Scientists also claim that climate change - caused by human activity such as burning fossil fuels - is making heatwaves more frequent and intense. 'Much like other ineffective hacks, a frozen towel won't offer enough energy to cool down a room,' Mr Osborne added. Meanwhile, a bowl of ice in front of your fan is also a bad idea. 'Whilst we would not recommend this hack, it offers a far lower level of risk of electric shock as the ice is nowhere near the electrical components of the fan,' Mr Osborne added. 'Even if you do try this hack, you'll likely remain hot, as a bowl of ice won't offer enough relief to continuously cool a room. 'Make sure the ice is sufficiently far enough away from the fan to avoid the device coming into contact with moisture if it's knocked over.' If you're struggling to cope in the heat, thankfully Electrical Safety First has also given their advice on safe heatwave hacks that do work. Firstly, the company advises opening windows on opposite sides of your house to create a cross wind. Next, keep your curtains and blinds closed during the day. 'Your first thought might be to open the windows, but in doing so, you'll only let the hot air inside,' Electrical Safety First said. 'Ensuring your room remains shaded can help to keep inside temperatures down. 'Consider the orientation of your building. An easterly facing room will heat up in the morning, whilst a westerly facing room will do so in the afternoon, so shade or ventilate accordingly.' Finally, when temperatures in the evening have dropped, open the windows back up. 'This will allow for the cool air to enter your home,' the experts added.
The Sun
08-06-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Households warned over common vape mistake that can cause ‘ferocious' toxic fires that are nearly impossible to put out
VAPERS have been warned over a common mistake that could cause their devices to erupt into "ferocious" toxic fires. The lithium batteries inside vapes can have a severe chemical reaction if the devices are treated recklessly, fire safety experts have warned. 6 6 6 Throwing them around or dropping them too much can damage the batteries over time. 'Given we commonly keep smaller vapes in our pockets, if they fail and catch fire it's not uncommon to see serious burns as a result," Giuseppe Capanna, product safety expert at charity Electrical Safety First, told The Sun. "If a vape is substandard, exposed to high temperatures, short circuits or becomes damaged, it risks causing a toxic fire caused by a chemical reaction inside the battery cells. "This process, called thermal runway, creates ferocious fires releasing a large amount of energy in a short space of time." It's also important to use the right charging cable, and avoid leaving a vape in high temperatures or submerged in water. "If you own a vape it's really important you treat it with care, avoid carelessly throwing it around which may cause the battery inside to become damaged over time," explained Capanna. "Ensure you use a compatible charger for your device and keep it away from areas where it may be exposed to high temperatures or risk coming into contact with water." It follows a government ban on single-use vapes, primarily due to environmental concerns and a rise in youth vaping. Since 1 June 2025, businesses have had to stop selling or supplying all single-use or 'disposable' vapes. As well as being an eyesore, littered vapes - both single-use and reusable - can also be a fire risk. They also introduce harmful chemicals into the soil, rivers and streams, so it's "vital" they are recycled, according to Capanna. "Incorrectly disposing of your vape in your household bin risks it becoming crushed when being processed in the back of the lorry, triggering waste collection fires that release toxic fumes," he said. "When your vape comes to the end of its life, either check if your local retailer offers a take back scheme to safely hand in your battery, or find your nearest recycling centre that will accept battery powered devices." 6 The London Fire Brigade has warned that here has been an uptick in vape-related fires across the UK, due to the devices being incorrectly thrown away in normal waste. When the lithium batteries become crushed in waste collection vehicles on their way to the landfill they can spark fires. Lithium batteries store a lot of energy in a small space and although lithium-ion battery products that have been built to a poor standard are a higher fire risk, any battery is at risk of exploding and catching fire if it has been crushed or becomes damaged. London Fire Brigade A London Fire Brigade spokesperson told The Sun: "Fires involving vapes can occur when the lithium-ion batteries that power them fail or become damaged or crushed. "Lithium batteries store a lot of energy in a small space and although lithium-ion battery products that have been built to a poor standard are a higher fire risk, any battery is at risk of exploding and catching fire if it has been crushed or becomes damaged. "When lithium-ion battery fires happen, they can be ferocious and can spread in seconds." Between 2020 to 2024, the London Fire Brigade was called out to 41 vape-related fires, occurring in homes, shops, and even hospitals. Six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters were dispatched to tackle a blaze at a shop in Harlesden in August 2024, which was believed to have been sparked by a faulty vape's lithium battery. Photos provided by the London Fire Brigade show blackened rooms blanketed with ash. 6 In April 2024, a day ward at Hampstead hospital was left damaged after the lithium battery in a rechargeable vape exploded in a visitor's bag. Another photo from the brigade shows a South London home ravaged by a vape-related fire. A bedroom has been reduced to ashes, with all contents inside obliterated. Another risky mistake is to charge vapes by the bed or sofa. Glenn Flannery, commercial director at fire alarm systems provider Spy Alarms, warned that this is a "definite no-no". "These devices often come without standards such as CE or ISO marking and therefore fall into a similar risk bracket as things like e-scooters. "However, due to their size and nature, we often find them being charged by the bed or the sofa... The primary fire hazard linked to vapes is their lithium-ion batteries, which can fail catastrophically if damaged, improperly charged, or poorly manufactured." REDUCE THE RISK According to Spy Alarm, households should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of a vape-related fire: Use only the charger supplied with the vape or one recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid charging overnight or while unattended. Most vape-related fires happen when people are asleep or away. Regularly inspect the device and battery for signs of damage, bulging, or leakage. Buy vape devices and batteries from reputable suppliers. Avoid counterfeit or unbranded products. Don't modify the device or attempt DIY repairs. Stop using the device if it gets excessively hot during use or charging. Unplug chargers when not in use. Install working smoke alarms on every floor of the home and test them regularly. Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag. Use a battery case to prevent accidental short circuits. Store vape batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. 6
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Charity warns of disposable vapes ‘ticking time bomb' following ban
A 'ticking time bomb' of disposable vapes is set to enter the waste system this week, risking widespread fires because of the incorrect disposal of the devices' batteries, a charity has warned. Electrical Safety First urged vapers not to 'bin the battery' following the ban on the sale of disposable or single-use vapes from June 1. A survey for the charity found almost three in five vapers (58%) plan on throwing their old vapes into their household's general waste or recycling bin, prompting fears of fires in refuse trucks and waste centres. This is despite 71% of vapers admitting that they are aware that improper disposal of vapes can cause fires. Disposable vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, which if damaged can create explosive and highly toxic fires that are almost impossible to put out – a process known as thermal runaway. However, the incorrect disposal of these vapes in the general waste system can cause bigger issues. When general rubbish or recycling is collected, vapes are often crushed, compacted, punctured or soaked in liquids. This can cause the batteries within them to overheat or ignite, leading to fires that put workers at risk, risking millions of pounds worth of damage and disruption to waste services. Even if they do not start a fire, damaged batteries release harmful chemicals and materials that can damage the environment if not recycled responsibly. Many vape retailers offer take-back services for disposable vapes. Some councils also have recycling points at household recycling centres. Consumers can check their local council's website to find out if this is available in their area. Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, said: 'This week we anticipate many disposable vapes will come to the end of their life following the ban. 'With reports of vapers having stockpiled these devices there is a risk that a large number of them could end up in the waste system if they are thrown out incorrectly in the household bin. 'These devices contain lithium-ion batteries that can explode or catch fire if damaged or crushed if they make their way into bin lorries, creating a ticking time bomb that puts refuse workers and communities at serious risk. 'The safest option is to recycle them properly. You can recycle them through retail take-back schemes or at a local recycling centre that has dedicated facilities.' The crackdown on the sale of the devices now makes it illegal for any retailer – ranging from corner shops to supermarkets – to sell them. The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. It follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending. Censuswide surveyed 1,003 UK adults who own a disposable vape between May 22-27.
The Independent
31-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Why you shouldn't stockpile disposable vapes
Councils have urged vapers to think twice before hoarding disposable vapes, warning that stockpiling them could pose life-threatening risks. Disposable vapes will be banned from the shelves of all shops from Sunday in a bid to cut their use among young people – as well as the 'avalanche' of litter they create. The crackdown on the devices, also known as single-use vapes, makes it illegal for any retailer – ranging from corner shops to supermarkets – to sell them. However, there are concerns some people are stocking up on single-use vapes, with research by online nicotine retailer Haypp finding 82 per cent of disposable vape users are planning to stockpile. The Local Government Authority (LGA), which represents councils and fire and rescue authorities, has warned that the lithium batteries contained inside disposable vapes could cause fires and pose a risk to life if not stored correctly. Lithium batteries present a serious risk of fire, as there is the potential for it to enter into thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when a battery reaches up to 600C, releasing toxic gases and creating a fire, according to charity Electrical Safety First. Disposable vapes are non-refillable, unable to be recharged, and are typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled. The vapes are extremely hazardous during the waste disposal process and can cause fires in bin lorries. The vapes are designed as one unit so batteries cannot be separated from the plastic. Even when they are recycled, they need to be taken apart by hand, while their batteries are a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Council taxpayers often bear the costs of the fire damage to equipment and the specialist treatment needed to deal with hazardous waste, the LGA said. Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, said: 'With 8.2 million vapes now thrown away, or recycled incorrectly, every week, single use vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in our bin lorries, and are expensive and difficult to deal with in our recycling centres. 'We would also urge caution to anyone stockpiling disposable vapes. Failing to store disposable vapes correctly could cost lives, given the significant fire risk they pose.' The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending. The department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) said usage among young vapers remained too high, and the ban would 'put an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation's streets'. The separate Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently working its way through Parliament, also includes powers to potentially restrict the packaging, marketing and flavours of e-cigarettes.
Daily Record
31-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Vape ban fire fears as experts warn of 'ticking time bomb'
The ban on selling disposable vapes in the UK comes into force tomorrow, Sunday, June 1. A nationwide crackdown on disposable vapes comes into force tomorrow. From Sunday, June 1, it will be illegal to sell the single-use devices anywhere in the UK. The move is aimed at protecting the health of the nation, especially youngsters as the bright-coloured puffers with their sweet flavours have proved a hit with teens in recent years. NHS stats from 2024 showed that nearly a quarter of children in the age bracket of 11 to 15 had tried vaping, and almost one in 10 vaped frequently. The new law aims to deter young people and children from turning to the nicotine products, which have been found to have serious health consequences. The move is also aimed at protecting the environment, as almost five million vapes were littered or discarded every week last year, according to figures from Material Focus. Many vapes end up in landfill or the incinerator, where valuable materials are wasted instead of being recycled. Littered vapes can leak harmful chemicals into soil, rivers, and streams, and contain lithium which can cause fires. And the chance of fire has sparked a warning from experts who branded the devices "ticking time bombs" if they are not correctly recycled. Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, and these can overheat and ignite when damaged or crushed. If vapes enter bin lorries or waste management facilities, they're at risk of catching fire. Data shows that vape-related fires are on the rise in the UK, with a massive surge of 348 per cent between 2020 and 2025. And this can be caused by people simply chucking vapes in their bins at home. Research from consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First found that this is the method that almost three in five vapers (58%) will use to dispose of their single-use puffers. But it is something that could see you fined up to £600 and potentially void your home insurance. Even more worryingly, the survey discovered that 71 per cent of Brits know that vapes can cause fires if chucked away improperly but most still plan on doing that anyway. In Slough earlier this month, a bin lorry caught fire due to a disposable vape and the crew were forced to dump five tonnes of rubbish in the middle of the road to stop the blaze engulfing the entire vehicle. Similar incidents have been reported in East Yorkshire and Manchester this year too. Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, said: "With the ban on disposable vapes fast approaching, we're urging people not to bin the battery. "These devices contain lithium-ion batteries that can explode or catch fire if damaged, creating a ticking time bomb that puts workers and communities at serious risk. "The safest option is to recycle them properly. You can recycle them through retail take back schemes or at a local recycling centre that has dedicated facilities.' Although it may seem easier just to dump your disposables in the nearest bin, there are many different options for getting rid of them more safely According to the team at Recycle Your Electricals, it can be as simple as taking your e-cigs back to the store where you bought them since all retailers that sell them must accept your old vapes, making it as easy to recycle them as it is to buy them Many local authorities collect electrical devices for recycling, either with your regular collection or by special arrangement. Contact your council to find out if that is possible where you live. You can also take vapes to your local tip, since most recycling centres have sections for electricals and batteries. If you are able to remove the battery, you can recycle it separately. If not, you can put the whole device in with the electrical recycling. Smaller recycling banks also often have a spot for electricals. This could be at your local supermarket or shop, in a car park, or even at a designated roadside stop. If you know of one such bank close to you, check out if they have electrical recycling facilities. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
