As North India shivers through a harsh winter, space heaters and traditional braziers have emerged as deadly hazards, claiming multiple lives from Delhi apartments to villages in Bihar and Punjab. Medical experts warn that carbon monoxide (CO), known as the “silent killer,” is responsible for many of these tragedies because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, often going undetected until it’s too late.
In Tarn Taran, Punjab, a young couple and their month-old infant were found dead in their home after sleeping in a room with a lit brazier and no ventilation. Similarly, in Bihar’s Gayaji village, a 60-year-old grandmother and her two grandchildren suffocated after a brazier was used in a closed room.
Urban areas are not immune. In Delhi’s Mukundpur, a family of three was killed when a room heater reportedly malfunctioned, causing smoke and fire. In Srinagar, a chef and his family, including a 28-day-old infant, were found dead, with authorities suspecting asphyxiation from an electric blower used for heating.
Why these deaths occur
Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, head of the Chest Disease Hospital in Srinagar, explained that heating devices—whether gas, coal, or wood—consume oxygen in a closed room and produce toxic gases like CO and carbon dioxide. Victims often experience dizziness, headaches, and fatigue before losing consciousness. A 15-year study by AIIMS New Delhi found that 95% of CO-related fatalities occurred in winter, with coal-burning vessels in poorly ventilated rooms as the leading cause.
Beyond carbon monoxide
Heater use can also dry out indoor air, irritating the nose, throat, and skin, and worsening conditions like asthma and allergies. Dr. Ambrish Kumar Garg of Narayana Hospital, Jaipur, cautioned that prolonged exposure can even lead to severe complications such as internal bleeding in the brain.
Safety tips to prevent tragedies
- Never close all doors and windows when using a heater or brazier.
- Avoid leaving heaters on overnight in closed rooms.
- Place a pot of water in the room to maintain moisture.
- Install a CO monitoring sensor.
- Regularly service heating appliances to prevent gas leaks or electrical faults.
With temperatures plunging, doctors urge residents to exercise caution and prioritize ventilation while using any heating device to avoid deadly accidents.