EXPLAINER: Is it safe to use electric fans amid extreme heat?

Is using an electric fan safe amid rising temperatures?

According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s "24 Oras" report on Friday, fans running in an unventilated space would simply be releasing hot air, making the heat worse. 

“Kung ang temperature naman po natin is umabot na po siya ng 35 degrees pataas, wala na rin po itong saysay dahil pinapaikot lang niya po yung 35 degrees. Mas lalo niyang itututok ang init papunta sa katawan natin,” said mechanical engineer Ian Willien Mamaril.

(If the air temperature reaches 35 degrees or higher, using the fan is useless since it would only spread the 35 degrees around; it will focus the heat even more on the body.)

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said electric fans should be used "only when temperatures are below 40°C / 104°F."

"In temperatures above 40°C/ 104°F, fans will heat the body. If using air conditioning, set the thermostat to 40°C / 81°F and turn on an electric fan – this will make the room feel 4°C cooler. It can also save up to 70% on your electricity bill for cooling," the WHO said.

Electric fans that are used excessively may also break down.

Both the WHO and the Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to stay hydrated amid the hot weather.

“Uminom na lang tayo ng tubig. Walo hanggang sampung baso. At pagpawisan tayo, lalamig ang katawan natin,” said DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo.

(Let’s just drink water, eight to ten glasses, and if we perspire, our bodies will cool down.) —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA News