Fan Death

Equal parts urban myth and superstition – fan death is a concept South Koreans learn about at their mother’s knee. It’s taken so seriously that even doctors and other health officials believe it! And although I’m not sure if it would ever appear on an official document as cause of death, it is definitely considered to be a factor in many.

So what is fan death?

Basically, the belief that you will die should you run an electric fan while sleeping. This only seems to be a concern if all sources of fresh air are sealed off, so many Koreans will leave a window open at the same time. This supply of fresh air is enough to keep you safe.

I’m not a technical person but the overall argument is that a fan will suck all the air from the room. Literally from your mouth if it is pointing directly at you. Hypothermia is also cited as a consequence of this dangerous practice, and fan users are urged to buy a model with a timer.

Why do people believe this?

Like all urban myths, fan death has its roots in truth. It’s likely that every year people are found dead with a fan running, and the windows closed. That there’s no significant connection between these events is usually overlooked. Regardless of how much reason and common sense you apply – if it doesn’t harm you to follow the rules then you probably will. After all, I still touch my collar when I see an ambulance. (A British superstition, said to prevent the emergency being at your house.) I know it’s ridiculous but I’m unable to stop myself.

Could there be a more reasonable explanation?

This is entirely my own opinion, but I suspect the fan death myth has more to do with economics than health risks. South Korea is a country which has modernised amazingly quickly. Perhaps one consequence is that the principles of frugality live on. Can you think of a better way to make sure people use less electricity than to encourage them to believe in fan death?

The million won question: do you believe in fan death?

In all honesty, no. But I do sleep with the window open because I like fresh air. (That’s what I tell myself anyhow!) I used to challenge people who were convinced that fan death was a real possibility. But even if you claim to have survived the night with the fan they will find another reason for your lucky escape.

You can’t fight superstition easily, and maybe you shouldn’t even try. The implications for global warming which inefficient use of the fan brings to mind are legitimate. But trying to rationalise established belief systems of any kind – that’s a losing battle.