Tragic Death of Five Sparks Carbon Monoxide Safety Alert
SRINAGAR: In the wake of the tragic deaths of five members of a family from Baramulla due to suffocation inside a rented accommodation in Pandrethan last night, experts on Monday urged people to take precautionary measures to prevent such incidents.
Because of winter, we use different kinds of appliances to keep rooms warm. Gas heaters, charcoal, and other such appliances consume the oxygen within a room, and in the absence of proper ventilation, there is an accumulation of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which are odourless and often go unnoticed,” one of Kashmir’s leading pulmonologists, Dr Naveed Nazir Shah said.
“Initial symptoms include dizziness, headache, fatigue or weakness, shortness of breath, confusion or mental disorientation, chest pain (in severe cases), and eventual loss of consciousness,” Dr Naveed, who is also the Head of the Department at the Chest Disease Hospital, said.
“Normally, haemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and organs, but once carbon monoxide enters the body, it has a high affinity for haemoglobin, which impairs the oxygen transport process. As a result, people experience dizziness, and ultimately, the patient may succumb,” he explained.
Dr Naveed urged people to take precautionary measures and called this the need of the hour. “While it is important to keep rooms warm, people should use appliances that do not consume oxygen. Proper ventilation is crucial,” he said, adding, “Any appliance that consumes oxygen should not be kept on or in use throughout the night. People must ensure that toxic gases can escape and that oxygen is continuously flowing, which is why proper ventilation is a must.”
A senior doctor at SKIMS also urged people to take necessary measures to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and advised, among other things, to never use generators indoors, but always operate them outdoors, away from windows, doors, and vents.
“People must avoid using charcoal or gas geysers and heaters indoors. These can quickly lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. In all cases, homes should be properly ventilated,” the doctor said, adding, “Ensure adequate airflow in areas where fuel-burning appliances, like gas heaters or stoves, are kept.”
People must ensure that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents are unobstructed to allow for the proper expulsion of gases.
Once carbon monoxide enters the body, symptoms typically include headache, dizziness or light-headedness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue or weakness, shortness of breath, confusion, mental disorientation, and chest pain (in severe cases).
“If you experience any of these symptoms, you must leave the area immediately and seek medical attention.”
He further stated that the rise in carbon monoxide poisoning cases is alarming, and prevention is essential. “By taking simple safety measures, one can significantly reduce the risk of exposure and protect themselves and their loved ones from harm.” (GNS)