Carbon Monoxide poisoning during the winter

   Written by: Mir Aqa Etibar 

With the arrival of the winter, some residents of cold areas use coal, charcoal and some other fuels to heat their houses but sometimes burning coal and charcoal cause some serious health problems.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people about this issue.

Khatima a resident of Nangarhar province says that her aunt was burning coals in the heater. One night the carbon monoxide poisoned their whole family members and then they were taken to the hospital.

Nigah, a resident of Laghman province says: “my sister burnt charcoals in a brazier and then she put them in a brazier under the Sandali. (Sandali is a low, wooden table covered by a heavy blanket, underneath is a charcoal brazier.) During the night we all felt a headache. My sister knew that she was poisoned by carbon monoxide, she left the room and laid down on the snow but my brother still suffers from the neurological problem due to carbon monoxide of charcoals burning.”

What are the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Samira, a resident of Laghman province says that her sister had not burnt the charcoal well but she put the brazier under the Sandali and at the result, we all faced carbon monoxide poisoning.

Roin, a resident of Parwan province says: “our heater was very old and had holes in it. When we were burning coal in the heater, the carbon monoxide was spreading throw the holes into the living room and it was poisoning us.”

Suhrab, a resident of Kapisa province says: “whenever there is a wind outside, our heater could not be burnt easily and we have to open and close the heater’s door so many times and this action causes to release carbon monoxide into the room and it badly affects us.”

What are the safety tips during using coals and charcoals?

Nawida, a resident of Kunar province says: “when we see any leakage in the heater pipe, we soak a piece of cloth in a mixer of salt and water and then we keep it around the pipe and it prevents carbon monoxide from spreading.”

Rashid says that he and his family members never cover their heads with the blanket which the Sandali is covered with it.

Khatima says that when they burn charcoals in a brazier, they leave the brazier outside the room till the fire has flames.”