Asphyxiation deaths: Experts warn against CO poisoning, say ventilation key to survival

Srinagar, Jan 07: The dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning have once again come to the forefront after a tragic incident in the Pandrethan area of Srinagar Sunday evening, where five members of a family reportedly died of asphyxiation, sending shock waves across Kashmir. Experts have stressed an urgent need for proper ventilation and change in home designs to prevent such devastating tragedies.
Dr. Irfan Ahmed Bhat, a consultant cardiologist at the Khyber Institute in Srinagar, explained how carbon monoxide, a silent and odorless gas, wreaks havoc on the body. “The gas cripples vital organs by mixing rapidly with the blood and cutting off oxygen supply, causing heart attacks and fatalities within just 30 minutes of exposure. Unfortunately, many homes in Kashmir are designed with poor ventilation, particularly in winters when windows are kept shut,” he said. Dr. Bhat urged residents to adopt safer heating solutions such as hamams and air conditioners.
He also noted that carbon monoxide poisoning doesn’t discriminate based on age, but the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions are at a significantly higher risk. Dr Bhat advocated change in home designs so fresh air continues to enter. “This would minimise the impact of carbon monoxide,” he said.
While reiterating the importance of ventilation, Senior physician Dr. Shabir Hassan said, “Keeping heating devices like gas heaters, bhukharis and firepots on during the night is particularly dangerous. People are asleep and unable to notice early warning signs such as headaches or dizziness. If these symptoms occur in the daytime, immediate access to fresh air can save lives,” he said. He said carbon monoxide once mixed with the body travels rapidly and makes a person helpless.
About the long-term effects of exposure, Umar Iqbal Dhar, president of the Private Diagnostic Association J&K, said survivors of carbon monoxide inhalation often face chronic health issues. “Even low-level exposure can lead to severe lung problems and prolonged breathing difficulties, requiring years of medical care to recover,” he stated. Dhar also announced that the association would launch a mass awareness campaign on carbon monoxide risks, from the month of March.
Experts unanimously agree that simple preventive measures, such as ensuring proper ventilation, turning off heating devices during sleep and switching to safer heating methods, can prevent such tragedies.
The heartbreaking incident in Pandrethan serves as a grim reminder of the lethal nature of carbon monoxide and the urgent need for public awareness. With temperatures continuing to plummet, these recommendations are a call to action to protect lives across the valley.