Deaths are increasing due to dangerous use of heaters in winter.

New Delhi: The use of heaters and fireplaces has increased as temperatures fall in winter, but these appliances are now proving fatal. In the last one month, from the apartments of Delhi to the villages of Bihar and the valleys of Kashmir, many families have died in their sleep. The main reason for these incidents is the misuse of heaters in closed rooms, which doctors are seeing as a silent attack of carbon monoxide.

Increasing incidents in North India

Such incidents are continuously coming to light from Punjab, Delhi, Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir. In Tarn Taran, Punjab, a young couple and their one month old baby died after sleeping in a closed room with the fireplace lit. Similarly, in Gaya, Bihar, a grandmother and her two grandsons also lost their lives due to the same reason. Trying to get relief from the cold took a toll on his life.

Chain of deaths from Delhi to Kashmir

DMRC engineer Ajay Vimal, his wife and daughter died due to fire and smoke in Delhi’s Mukundpur area. It is suspected that there was a short circuit or explosion in the room heater. At the same time, in Srinagar, a chef, his wife and three children died due to suffocation due to electric blower in a closed room. Everywhere victims were found sleeping.

What is the science of ‘silent killer’

Doctors call carbon monoxide the ‘silent killer’ because it is neither visible nor has a smell. According to experts at the Chest Disease Hospital, Srinagar, heaters running on gas, wood or coal deplete oxygen in closed rooms, leading to increased levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Victims first feel dizzy and headache, then faint.

Suffocation is not the only danger

Experts say that prolonged use of heater also eliminates the moisture in the air. According to senior doctors of Jaipur, this can dry out the nose, throat and skin, and increase the problem of asthma and allergies. In severe cases there is also a risk of bleeding in the brain. Apart from this, incidents of fire due to electric heaters are also increasing.

how to protect yourself

Doctors advise to take care of ventilation in the room while lighting the heater or fireplace. Do not use the heater in a closed room all night. To maintain humidity, keep a vessel of water and install a carbon monoxide sensor in the house. Regular inspection and servicing of all heating equipment is extremely important. A little caution can save many lives.