Geez, I've worried about the same thing for years. My mother had a
couple that she used all the time -- and never had any problems
whatsoever. However, she was responsible for scaring the hell out of
me; now, I suspect that she told me horror stories just to keep me away
from them back then.

I've now used my MIL's twice, and had no problems. My only complaint
is that hers is too small for some of the things I want to do! LOL One
of these days I'll buy a bigger one.

~Eri