The HSE have urged the public to take "extra care" when using fans to cool themselves down during the heatwave that Ireland is currently basking in.
Temperatures have topped 28C on some days and there isn't even a respite at night time either with 'tropical' nights being recorded earlier this week.
Many have turned to the trusty fan to help try prevent the heat from becoming unbearable.
But the Department of Public Health Mid-West has said this could cause issues.
In a statement, the Department said they "would like to advise the public to take extra care with the correct use of pedestal fans in order to efficiently ventilate rooms and work spaces.
"In line with WHO ventilation guidance, the Government’s Work Safely Protocol , and the Department of Public Health Mid-West’s Safe Work Stops Covid guidebook, fans should not be used in poorly ventilated spaces as they could circulate virus droplets and aerosols.
"Using pedestal fans close to an open window can bring more clean air into a room, but they should only be used if the ventilation rate is right for the room and occupancy. Otherwise, it may spread particles."
The HSE even gave an example of one workplace outbreak where staff who were working in a kitchen were socially distanced.
However, they were not wearing masks and were in a poorly-ventilated space with a pedestal fan.
The poor ventilation and the use of a pedestal fan were major contributing factors in this situation, and all kitchen staff were infected.
Dr Marie Casey, Specialist in Public Health Medicine , said: “We appreciate that there is an additional demand for fans, particularly in workplaces amid the surge in high temperatures. If you are using a fan, please ensure that it can be used to bring more clean air into the room, instead of circulating poor quality or contaminated air in a room with a high occupancy of people and workers.”
