Cold wave raises carbon monoxide poisoning risks; doctors urge caution in winter heating

KATHMANDU: As winter tightens its grip across Nepal, daily life in the Terai has become increasingly difficult due to severe cold waves.

To stay warm, people commonly rely on open fires, coal, electric heaters and gas geysers. However, medical professionals have warned that careless use of such heating devices continues to claim lives every year.

Recent incidents highlight the danger. Just a few days ago in Surkhet, a 38-day-old infant died after the family slept in a room where coal was burned overnight. Three other family members were rendered unconscious and required medical treatment.

Health experts warn that using heating appliances in poorly ventilated rooms can lead to the buildup of carbon monoxide, a highly toxic gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless.

Prolonged exposure can cause serious health complications or even death.

Consultant General Physician Dr. Bibek Raj Paudel explained that fire, coal and gas geysers require oxygen to operate. “When these devices burn, they produce byproducts such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

In open spaces, these gases disperse harmlessly. But in closed rooms, oxygen levels drop and the body is forced to inhale toxic gases,” he said.

According to Dr. Paudel, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty, blood disorders and increased acidity in the body.

Victims must be rescued immediately and moved to fresh air, followed by treatment with high-flow oxygen at a hospital.

“Timely rescue can prevent both immediate and long-term complications,” he said, adding that survivors may later suffer from memory loss, reduced alertness and impaired mental function.

Despite repeated incidents every winter, public awareness remains low. Dr. Paudel stressed that closed rooms and bathrooms are unsafe for using heating devices.

He advised ensuring proper ventilation, wearing warm clothing instead of relying solely on heaters, extinguishing coal fires before sleeping, and switching off all heating appliances at night.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health and Population has issued a public notice urging citizens to follow these safety measures during winter:

• Use fire, heaters and geysers only in well-ventilated rooms

• Avoid coal-based heating sources as much as possible

• Keep flammable materials such as paper and clothes away from heaters

• Fully extinguish fire after use

• Turn heaters off periodically and always before sleeping

• Install geyser units outside the bathroom in open spaces

• Avoid staying in the bathroom for long periods while the geyser is on

• Keep bathroom windows open whenever possible while using a geyser

Health officials emphasize that simple precautions can save lives, urging the public to remain alert and prioritize ventilation and safety throughout the winter season.