For a little comfort, ignorance is now becoming fatal

Varanasi. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious and potentially deadly hazard that can occur when fuels such as wood or coal are burned in poorly ventilated or enclosed spaces. A tragic incident occurred in Darekhun village, Varanasi, where a family had lit an angithi in their closed bedroom for warmth during the night. In the morning, they were found unconscious, with a 2-year-old child succumbing to suffocation and the parents and their other son fighting for their lives in the hospital.

It is essential for people to be aware of the dangers of using heating and cooking devices, such as angithis and stoves, in poorly ventilated spaces and to take precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. This includes following proper safety guidelines, installing carbon monoxide detectors, and ensuring that there is proper ventilation in the area. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can also be very dangerous, as it produces carbon monoxide, and it is important to use charcoal grills and other devices that burn charcoal in well-ventilated areas and to follow proper safety guidelines.

To increase ventilation and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is recommended to keep doors and windows slightly open and to use vents or exhaust fans to help dissipate the gas. It is not advisable to use a bucket of water to try to increase the supply of oxygen in the room, as water does not provide oxygen and will not help to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, or nausea, it is important to immediately move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical attention. Ignorance about carbon monoxide safety can have fatal consequences, even if it is done in pursuit of comfort, and it is essential to prioritize safety over comfort to prevent tragedies like this from occurring.