A routine attempt to eradicate a persistent cockroach turned disastrous when an apartment in Kumamoto, Japan, blew up on Sunday. The 54-year-old resident, in his battle against the insect, unleashed a substantial amount of insecticide, setting off an unforeseen chain of events.
The detonation, which left the man with minor injuries, was so forceful that it shattered a balcony window and left burn marks near the traditional Japanese heating table.
Surprisingly, this isn't an isolated case. Reports from the National Consumer Affairs Centre of Japan highlight a concerning trend of explosions occurring in the aftermath of insecticide usage, specifically when sprayed near electrical outlets.
The incident underscores a broader issue with the potential hazards associated with applying certain liquid sprays in confined areas.
Philip Koehler, an emeritus professor of entomology at the University of Florida, wrote in a January 2022 publication that applying water-based pesticide sprays near electrical outlets, motors, or exposed wiring poses a threat of electrical shock.
He also noted that flammable petroleum-based pesticides could be ignited by pilot lights and gas flames from heaters and appliances, exacerbating the danger, Business Insider reported.
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