Did you know that improper use of an electric kettle can lead to serious health issues? Let's explore the causes and how to avoid them to protect your health and that of your family.

The electric kettle is a useful and popular household appliance in many modern homes. However, improper use can lead to serious health risks.

In addition to causing burns, fires, energy wastage, and damaging the device, some mistakes when using the electric kettle can also create toxins. Drinking water containing these toxins can harm the body and lead to various dangerous diseases. Some examples include:

1. Choosing a kettle made of low-quality materials

Many families, in an attempt to save costs, opt for electric kettles made from substandard materials. These products often have low-quality stainless steel linings, which are not the food-safe 304 or 316-grade stainless steel. When the water is boiled, heavy metals such as lead and cadmium may be released and dissolve into the water. Continuously using this water leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body, negatively affecting liver, kidney, and digestive system health.

2. Not cleaning scale buildup regularly

After a period of use, a grayish-brown scale often appears at the bottom of the kettle. If not cleaned regularly, this scale can reduce the boiling efficiency and contaminate the drinking water, affecting health. This scale contains minerals and bacteria, and when ingested, it increases the risk of digestive, kidney, and circulatory system diseases. To ensure safety, you should clean the kettle regularly using white vinegar, lemon, or orange peel. Boil this mixture, let it cool for 30 minutes, then clean the kettle thoroughly to remove the scale effectively.

3. Boiling water multiple times or leaving water in the kettle for too long

Many people have the habit of boiling water longer than necessary, leaving water overnight, or reheating previously boiled water simply for convenience and because they believe the electric kettle is hygienic. However, these actions not only waste energy but also can generate harmful substances due to the breakdown of some compounds in the water. Especially, boiling water multiple times increases the concentration of impurities and bacteria, reducing water quality. To ensure safety, you should use the water immediately after boiling and avoid leaving water in the kettle overnight.

4. Using a kettle that is damaged or rusty

Using an electric kettle with signs of rust inside or parts peeling off is a serious mistake many people overlook. When the kettle is damaged, rust or metal oxides from the heating element or lining can mix with the water during boiling. As a result, the body may absorb these ha.rmful substances, da.maging the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Additionally, this can lead to a serious risk of electrical short circuits and fires. To ensure safety, you should regularly inspect the kettle and replace it immediately when you notice any signs of rust or damage.

In addition to the health risks mentioned, there are many other behaviors to be mindful of when using an electric kettle. For example, overfilling the kettle, plugging in before adding water, not turning off the power after using the kettle, or using untreated water for boiling and drinking can all pose health risks.