These days, we are surrounded by electronic devices all the time, along with power adapters, cables, and chargers. Even when no phone or laptop is plugged in, many people have the tendency to keep a charger plugged in all the time. This appears to be innocuous at first—after all, the charger is not in use. Experts have cautioned, though, that this approach may lead to health and safety issues. Continuous exposure to heat, chemicals, and low-level electromagnetic radiation can cause long-term ailments in addition to the risk of fire. If you keep chargers plugged in while they are empty, you could get these three health issues.
1. Respiratory Illnesses and Allergies
A charger’s internal parts continue to draw current and warm up a little while it is plugged in for hours on end. Particularly vulnerable to overheating are chargers that are inexpensive or fake. The plastic casing and insulation materials may deteriorate due to this gradual heating, generating tiny harmful gases like formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Even at low concentrations, frequent inhalation of these compounds can irritate the airways and cause persistent sneezing, coughing, or sore throats. The exposure may exacerbate symptoms for those who already have sinus issues or asthma. Constant exposure to these pollutants over months or years can cause allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and in extreme situations, permanent lung damage.
