A low-cost thermal fuse device is being championed by Ohio fire authorities as a potential life-saver that could also prevent severe property damage from fires. The device is part of an initiative by the state's fire marshal to decrease the incidence of fatal fires, particularly those caused by individuals smoking while using oxygen therapy.

From 2020 to 2022, fires linked to smoking were the primary cause of fire-related fatalities in Ohio, with oxygen-using smokers accounting for 40% of these deaths. Thermal fuses, like our OxySafe2, are designed to attach inline with the patient's oxygen tubing; it halts oxygen flow and stops flames from reaching the oxygen tank, preventing larger fires.

The initiative, which began in the fall of 2023, aims to install these safety devices in as many home oxygen systems as possible, with collaborations extending to over 40 fire departments statewide. While thermal fuses do not protect the smoker from potential burns, they significantly reduce the risk of death from house fires, as emphasized by fire officials.

Despite the benefits of thermal fuses, the fire marshal’s office is advocating for wider adoption among hospitals and insurance providers and is calling for more fire departments to join the initiative. Notably, the Veteran's Health Administration mandated these devices for all veterans on home oxygen in 2018, and the American Burn Association recommended their use for all oxygen users in 2022. Fire safety experts strongly advise against smoking while on oxygen, but if unavoidable, they recommend turning off the oxygen supply and smoking in another room.

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