Shocking Glen 20 mistake you need to avoid at all costs: Woman's dangerous experience revealed

This shocking story from Queensland is a perfect example of how a simple mistake can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening consequences.

One elderly woman got the scare of her life when she discovered a perfectly round hole in the ceiling of her kitchen, as well as her stovetop completely blown to pieces. Confused and distressed, the woman, aged in her 70s, attempted to clean up the mess, searching for her Glen 20 antibacterial spray to help with the task. However, upon realising that it was nowhere to be found, it became clear what had caused the explosion.


Glen 20, a popular antibacterial spray used in many Australian households, is one of many aerosol products that contain flammable ingredients. Knowing how to handle and store them safely is crucial to avoid unfortunate accidents like this one.

A neighbour came over to inquire about a 'deafening bang' they heard, and together, they deduced that the Glen 20 spray can had been left next to the stovetop and exploded due to the heat. It is believed that the woman might have accidentally turned the stove on while attempting to preheat the oven before she left the property.


Screenshot 2023-06-21 at 4.14.19 pm.png
The photos are almost unbelievable. The hole in the elderly woman's roof. Image source: Yahoo News Australia.


Witnesses describe the explosion by saying, 'It shot straight up like a rocket,' as reported by Jake Whalan from DYAD Constructions to Yahoo News Australia. Jake, who was called in for the aftermath assessment, went on to say he's 'never seen anything like it before'.


'[The can] went through the roof. It went right through the ceiling and through the roof tiles,' he explained. Miraculously, the woman and her neighbour 'never found the can,' he further added.

‘It definitely could have set the house on fire. If the stove had ignited the gas, it could definitely have been a big fireball for sure,’ Jake told Yahoo News Australia. ‘I've seen plenty of things. That's the first time I've seen that one.’


Screenshot 2023-06-21 at 4.11.15 pm.png
The woman’s shattered stove top. Image source: Yahoo News Australia.


To ensure this doesn’t happen to any of our members, we wanted to educate you all on some other common household items that can be dangerous if not handled or stored correctly:


- Lighter fluid: Highly flammable, can cause fires or explosions if not stored properly and used near a heat source.
- Gasoline: Another highly flammable liquid, should be stored in appropriate containers and kept away from flames or sparks.
- Bleach: Can release toxic fumes when mixed with other household cleaning products and should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Key Takeaways

  • An elderly woman in Queensland discovered a perfectly round hole in her kitchen ceiling and her stove top blown to pieces upon returning home.
  • The cause was determined to be a can of Glen 20 antibacterial spray that had been left next to the stove top and exploded with the heat.
  • Jake Whalan of DYAD Constructions, who assessed the aftermath, said the can went through the ceiling and roof tiles, adding that it could have caused a major fire if the gas had ignited.

One of our SDC members has previously shared their own experience with a dangerous household item and the lessons they learned:

'I once accidentally mixed bleach with another cleaning product, not knowing that it would cause toxic fumes. I quickly realised my mistake, opened windows, and took myself outside to get fresh air. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but I now make sure to read labels on cleaning products before using them to avoid any hazardous combinations.'


We hope this cautionary tale serves as a reminder for our members to take extra care when storing and using aerosol cans, household chemicals, and being diligent about appliance safety. Stay safe, members! And if you have or know any stories like this, please share them with us in the comments section below so we can all learn from each other's mistakes!
 
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Since my grandson developed chronic asthma, I become even more determined to continue my crusade to have a non-toxic home. I have been on this path for some 30 years but soon realised more needed to be done.
One of the most nasty things, as far as asthma is concerned, is the cleaning of bathrooms. Those sprays, aerosol or pump action, that promise instant mould removal and blah, blah, blah contain all sorts of unfriendly additives. Anything with bleach in it, when triggered by the heat in a shower become nasty fumes.
As a result, when we downsized I promised never to use stuff that can cause harm in that way.
The best thing I have found is to wipe down the shower after every use with microfibre. Actually, I use a cloth that was sold as a car wipe. Only takes a couple of minutes to wipe down shower screen and tiled walls with the jumbo size micro cloth. I have not had the need to try and remove mould, EVER.
Aerosol sprays of any kind can be dangerous. We need to understand the process that goes into making them aerosol. I have no such sprays in the home. It's pump action for me.
Read the labels. If you cannot understand them, odds on they are not good. Remember, if you can push a button and spray it around your immediate environment, you are breathing it in as well.
This lady most likely will never buy an aerosol can again after such a fright. There are alternatives.
 
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Oops, aerosol cans and heat have never been a good mix.
 
And why did an elderly lady turn on the ‘oven’ to pre heat and then leave the property?Not a good idea to turn on ANY appliance and leave.
 
This shocking story from Queensland is a perfect example of how a simple mistake can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening consequences.

One elderly woman got the scare of her life when she discovered a perfectly round hole in the ceiling of her kitchen, as well as her stovetop completely blown to pieces. Confused and distressed, the woman, aged in her 70s, attempted to clean up the mess, searching for her Glen 20 antibacterial spray to help with the task. However, upon realising that it was nowhere to be found, it became clear what had caused the explosion.


Glen 20, a popular antibacterial spray used in many Australian households, is one of many aerosol products that contain flammable ingredients. Knowing how to handle and store them safely is crucial to avoid unfortunate accidents like this one.

A neighbour came over to inquire about a 'deafening bang' they heard, and together, they deduced that the Glen 20 spray can had been left next to the stovetop and exploded due to the heat. It is believed that the woman might have accidentally turned the stove on while attempting to preheat the oven before she left the property.


View attachment 22951
The photos are almost unbelievable. The hole in the elderly woman's roof. Image source: Yahoo News Australia.


Witnesses describe the explosion by saying, 'It shot straight up like a rocket,' as reported by Jake Whalan from DYAD Constructions to Yahoo News Australia. Jake, who was called in for the aftermath assessment, went on to say he's 'never seen anything like it before'.


'[The can] went through the roof. It went right through the ceiling and through the roof tiles,' he explained. Miraculously, the woman and her neighbour 'never found the can,' he further added.

‘It definitely could have set the house on fire. If the stove had ignited the gas, it could definitely have been a big fireball for sure,’ Jake told Yahoo News Australia. ‘I've seen plenty of things. That's the first time I've seen that one.’


View attachment 22952
The woman’s shattered stove top. Image source: Yahoo News Australia.


To ensure this doesn’t happen to any of our members, we wanted to educate you all on some other common household items that can be dangerous if not handled or stored correctly:


- Lighter fluid: Highly flammable, can cause fires or explosions if not stored properly and used near a heat source.
- Gasoline: Another highly flammable liquid, should be stored in appropriate containers and kept away from flames or sparks.
- Bleach: Can release toxic fumes when mixed with other household cleaning products and should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Key Takeaways

  • An elderly woman in Queensland discovered a perfectly round hole in her kitchen ceiling and her stove top blown to pieces upon returning home.
  • The cause was determined to be a can of Glen 20 antibacterial spray that had been left next to the stove top and exploded with the heat.
  • Jake Whalan of DYAD Constructions, who assessed the aftermath, said the can went through the ceiling and roof tiles, adding that it could have caused a major fire if the gas had ignited.

One of our SDC members has previously shared their own experience with a dangerous household item and the lessons they learned:

'I once accidentally mixed bleach with another cleaning product, not knowing that it would cause toxic fumes. I quickly realised my mistake, opened windows, and took myself outside to get fresh air. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but I now make sure to read labels on cleaning products before using them to avoid any hazardous combinations.'


We hope this cautionary tale serves as a reminder for our members to take extra care when storing and using aerosol cans, household chemicals, and being diligent about appliance safety. Stay safe, members! And if you have or know any stories like this, please share them with us in the comments section below so we can all learn from each other's mistakes!
Thank good ness she was ok! Hard lesson there!
 
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how can you "accidently" turn on a stove? really curious to know please
Easily if the knobs are on the front. I accidentally knocked mine as I was walking past it one day and came home to find the stove out in the yard. Luckily the neighbour next door spotted smoke coming out of the vents and came in to investigate - he put the fire out before the fire brigade got her. I had left cookware sitting on the stove top and it all melted and caught fire. I know better now and turn the stove off at the wall all the time.
 

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