In Korea, there's a widespread myth that sleeping with a fan on can cause death. This notion has been debunked by experts, who attribute it to a combination of factors, including a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the 1980s.
The myth likely originated from the fact that Korean homes often have poor ventilation, which can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide and other gases.
The Korean government has taken steps to address this issue by implementing stricter safety standards for fans and promoting awareness about the risks of SIDS.
In reality, fans are not a significant cause of death in Korea or anywhere else.
Origins of the Belief
The origins of the "fan death" myth are shrouded in mystery, but it's clear that fears about electric fans date back to the 1920s and 1930s in Korea.
One conspiracy theory suggests that the South Korean government created or perpetuated the myth as propaganda to curb energy consumption during the 1970s energy crisis, but this is unlikely given that the myth is much older.
Stories from the 1920s and 1930s warn of the risks of nausea, asphyxiation, and facial paralysis from electric fans, with a 1927 article specifically mentioning "Strange Harm from Electric Fans".
The alleged risk of asphyxiation by oxygen displacement and carbon dioxide intoxication is a concern, but it's not specific to electric fans - any room without ventilation can lead to a reduction of oxygen and buildup of carbon dioxide.
Explanations and Safety
The idea of "fan death" is largely unfounded, but it's surprising how many people believe it's a real concern.
In Korea, concerns about "fan death" persist, even though there's no scientific evidence to support it.
Setting your fan too close to your face is not a health risk, but it's understandable to want to be cautious.
The author of this article still keeps their fan at least three feet away from their bed, even though they know it's not necessary.
Electric fans don't have the capability to asphyxiate or harm you in any way, so there's no need to worry about fan death.
The author's own experience with a paranoid babysitter may have contributed to their lingering fear of fan death, but it's not based on fact.
You don't need to move your fan far away from your bed to stay safe, but it's up to you to decide what makes you feel comfortable.
Korean Perspective
In Korean households, it's common for people to be told to turn off electric fans or open a door/window before falling asleep to avoid "fan death".
The idea is that the fan can somehow suck all the air out of the room and suffocate you, as if the fan were a living creature.
This myth has been passed down through generations, with the interviewee's grandparents and parents warning them about the dangers of leaving a fan on overnight.
A case from the 1990s was mentioned, where a heatwave led to a number of deaths, with a doctor attributing the cause to "exposure to electric fan breezes for long hours in a sealed area".
It's worth noting that this type of death is not actually caused by the fan itself, but rather the heatwave and the conditions in the room.
The interviewee's dad remembers this case from his childhood, and it's likely that this story has been passed down and perpetuated through word of mouth.
In reality, the "fan death" myth is likely just a reflection of culturally specific fears, rather than any actual scientific fact.
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