Unsafe use of heating devices in poorly ventilated spaces leads to accumulation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases, healthcare professionals caution locals
The mysterious death of five family members in Srinagar, including three children, on Monday (January 6, 2025) brought to sharp focus the silent killer in the Valley in winters: asphyxiation due to multiple heating gadgets. Eight people have died in Kashmir apparently due to suffocation so far this winter.
A sense of shock and disbelief gripped locals of Srinagar’s Pandrathan area following the recovery of a couple and their three children — including a 28-day-old infant, an 18-month-old toddler and a three-year-old child — from a rented accommodation. Eyewitnesses said they spotted the family members dead in their room on Sunday afternoon after their relatives started enquiring about their well-being because they failed to contact them on their mobile phones.
Officials identified the head of the family as Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, a chef from north Kashmir’s Uri area in Baramulla district. Officials found an electric blower in the room. The police have started an investigation into the incident and are yet to reach any conclusion about the deaths. However, initial reports suggested that the family members may have died due to suffocation.
The incident shook the locals as heating gadgets, especially those run on electricity, wood and coal, are widely used in the Kashmir valley to brave harsh winters. This year, Kashmir has seen two to three major spells of snowfall so far.
On January 5, a mother-son duo was found unconscious in their room in Kulgam’s Gudder area. The son, Nisar Ahmad Khan, 24, later died in the hospital. On December 22 last year, two persons from Kupwara district also died due to suffocation in Srinagar’s Qamarwari.
Health Advisory
There are increasing incidents of heating gadgets resulting in the deaths of locals in Kashmir. The Valley’s premiere tertiary health institute, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), has issued a public advisory and urged residents to take immediate precautions to protect themselves and their families.
“Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large amounts. The number of individuals treated for CO poisoning in our critical care units has risen drastically, with many patients requiring emergency intervention,” it said.
Health experts have joined hands in Kashmir to raise awareness among locals on the safe use of heating gadgets. “Gas, charcoal and wood-based appliances consume oxygen within the closed room, which has no proper ventilation. It leads to accumulation of obnoxious and odourless gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. When consumed, a victim gets dizziness, headache and fatigue or weakness, shortness of breath, confusion or mental disorientation, chest pain (in severe cases) and falls unconscious,” Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, Head of Department of the Chest Disease Hospital, Srinagar, said.
Mr. Shah said once carbon monoxide enters the body, it has “high affinity for haemoglobin and impairs oxygen transportation”.
Dr. Abdus Sami, professor of Pediatrics at Government Medical College, Srinagar, pointed out another dangerous trend posing health risks to kids during winters in Kashmir. He said a mother recently came to him with her two-month-old kid who fell unconscious twice. “She said this happened twice or thrice only when the baby was inside ‘pheran’ (a long woollen robe) and never outside. She was using ‘kangri’ (earthen coal pot) inside ‘pheran’ to keep the child warm. This is again suffocation because the ‘kangri’ uses all the oxygen inside ‘pheran’ and produces carbon monoxide. This practice is quite common and should be abandoned right away.”
Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader and MLA M.Y. Tarigami urged the government to provide carbon monoxide sensors to households at subsidised rates. “The government should formulate a policy to distribute carbon monoxide sensors at subsidised rates through local bodies,” he suggested.
A carbon monoxide sensor raises the alarm at 20 ppm of CO; it takes 200 ppm to prove fatal to an individual.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were among the political leaders who expressed their grief over the incident. “People must exercise utmost caution while using heating gadgets during the harsh winter months. They should adhere to government-issued advisories on the safe use of heating equipment to prevent such tragic incidents,” Mr. Abdullah said.
Do’s
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure that every room, especially bedrooms and living areas, is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. Test them regularly.
- Ventilate Properly: Always keep at least one window slightly open while using any heating devices to allow proper ventilation.
- Regular Maintenance: Have your heating appliances checked and serviced regularly by a professional to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.
- Use Approved Heating Devices: Only use heaters and stoves that are certified and approved by safety standards.
- Educate the Family: Teach family members about the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion.
- Safe Placement: Place heating devices on a stable and non-flammable surface, away from curtains, furniture, and other flammable materials.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep emergency contact numbers handy and know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic.
- Proper Use of Fuel: If using wood or coal heaters, ensure proper fuel is used and that it is stored safely.
- Install Exhaust Fans: Use exhaust fans to help circulate air and remove any potential buildup of harmful gases.
- First Aid Training: Learn basic first aid and CPR to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Don’ts
- Never Ignore Symptoms: If you or any family member experiences symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, do not ignore them. Seek immediate medical attention.
- Avoid Overuse: Do not run heating devices for extended periods without breaks. Give them time to cool down.
- Don’t Block Vents: Never block or cover ventilation openings in heating appliances, as this can cause dangerous gas buildup.
- No Indoor BBQs: Do not use outdoor grills, BBQs, or camp stoves indoors, as they can produce high levels of carbon monoxide.
- Avoid DIY Repairs: Do not attempt to repair or modify heating devices on your own. Always seek professional assistance.
- Don’t Use Damaged Appliances: Avoid using heaters or stoves that show signs of damage, such as cracks, rust, or leaks.
- Do Not Sleep with Heating Devices On: Turn off portable heaters before going to sleep to prevent accidents.
- No Flammable Liquids: Keep flammable liquids away from heating appliances and do not use them to start or maintain a fire.
- Don’t Overload Outlets: Avoid plugging multiple heating devices into the same electrical outlet to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
- Don’t Ignore Maintenance: Skipping regular maintenance checks can lead to malfunctioning devices and increased risk of asphyxiation.
