Srinagar, Nov 18: Health professionals in Kashmir have issued a strong advisory against the use of unvented gas heaters in closed and poorly ventilated rooms, cautioning that such devices can lead to severe health complications and even death due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Dr Zahoor Wani, a senior doctor at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), said that unvented heaters burn fuel inside the room without a chimney or outlet for harmful gases. This results in the gradual accumulation of toxic substances—particularly carbon monoxide.
“Unvented gas heaters release combustion byproducts directly into the room. When carbon monoxide builds up beyond a certain level, individuals are at high risk of CO poisoning, especially while sleeping,” he explained. He stressed that the safest solution is to avoid these heaters altogether and opt for vented models that channel emissions outside the home.
Dr Wani warned that if residents continue using unvented heaters, they must avoid operating them in bedrooms, bathrooms, or any confined area. “Such heaters should only be used in spaces with sufficient airflow. Using them at night in closed rooms is extremely dangerous,” he said.
The doctor described carbon monoxide as particularly dangerous because it gives no warning signs. “You cannot smell it, see it, or taste it. It renders a person helpless without them realising it,” he said. “Most victims lose consciousness quietly during sleep, making it especially deadly.”
He noted that children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to poisoning even at lower concentrations.
Another medical expert, Dr Shahid Khan, highlighted the physical indicators and early symptoms of suffocation and CO exposure. “People may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion in the initial stages. If exposure continues, it can lead to fainting and eventually death,” he said.
Dr Khan added that in cases of severe suffocation, medical examinations may reveal petechial haemorrhages—tiny red or purple spots in the eyes, face, and lungs—indicating oxygen deprivation.“As the victim struggles to breathe, foamy mucus can accumulate in the airways,” he noted.
Other symptoms he listed include difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, hoarseness, sore throat, disorientation, nosebleeds, and visual disturbances.
Apart from carbon monoxide, he pointed out that nitrogen dioxide, another byproduct of unvented heaters, can irritate the respiratory tract and worsen conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
Healthcare professionals strongly recommend the following safety measures that include ensuring proper ventilation whenever using any heating device, preferring vented gas heaters over unvented ones, installing carbon monoxide detectors at home, regularly servicing and maintaining all heating appliances, limiting the use of gas heaters, especially during nighttime, and never sleeping in a sealed room with a heater running.
The experts reiterated that awareness and caution are critical as winter intensifies. “Preventable tragedies can be avoided if people understand the risks and adopt safe heating practices,” they said—(KNO)
