"Kurt Ullman" wrote in message
m...

If anyone is really interested in anything more than flapping their
gums, the URL is for a 2003 Consumer Products Safety Commission report
on this very subject.
http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/FOIA03/os/portfan.pdf

There were an estimated 4,500 fires associated with portable electric
fans from 1990 through 1998. These fires resulted in more than 20
deaths, 270 injuries, and about $55 million in property loss.

Staff reviewed 243 fan-related In-Depth Investigations (IDIs),
conducted from January 1, 1990 through April 12, 2001. These IDIs
included those in which the identified hazard was fire (210), potential
fire (16), electrocution (12), electric shock (3), and electrical
hazards (2).


While the danger is probably there, the numbers are very low. That are
about 500 fires a year and 2 deaths. Check out how many car accidents that
result in death in a single year. Somewhere around 40,000. Not to count
the number of accidents that result in injuries and money cost.

You are more likely to die just going to the store to get the fan than for
it to cause a fire or death.
It is even estimated that about 50 to 100 deaths each year are caused by
peanuts.