For some reason I have a little bit of doubt that this is related to your schoolwork, however this is important to learn to not do so by mistake. This would take a few minutes of inhaling fumes and is a very painful way to die. Even if it doesn't kill you, exposure can lead to brain damage and chemical burns. 5-10 minutes of non ventilated inhaling.
Replacing damaged electrical cords is not a strategy to prevent falls.
