Winter warning: carbon monoxide risk rises as households seek heat

As winter bites, health authorities are warning households to take simple precautions against carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that can build up when fuel-burning appliances are used in poorly ventilated spaces.

Why the danger grows in winter

With temperatures dropping, many people keep windows and doors shut and turn to heaters, charcoal braziers and generators to stay warm or to cope with power outages. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness says these practices can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning because the gas is produced when fuels such as charcoal, wood, paraffin, petrol or gas do not burn completely.

Symptoms and why it’s often missed

Experts say carbon monoxide poisoning is frequently overlooked because its early symptoms mimic common winter illnesses.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the most easily missed medical emergencies during winter. Early symptoms, including headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and confusion, are often mistaken for flu, fatigue, or a viral illness. By the time people realise something is wrong, the consequences can be severe,”

said Carine Marks, director of the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre.

The National Poison Information Helpline recorded 25 reported cases of carbon monoxide poisoning over the past year, including eight children under the age of 12. Marks cautioned that these numbers likely under-represent the true scale because many cases go unrecognised or misdiagnosed.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is significantly under-reported. Many cases are never recognised, are misdiagnosed or never reach poison information centres. We suspect the true number of poisonings is much higher,”

she said.

Who is most vulnerable

Dr Bradley Browne of the Red Cross Poisons Information Centre pointed to young children and pregnant women as groups requiring particular care. He said children can be more vulnerable because they breathe faster than adults, and that symptoms in children are often non-specific. He warned that carbon monoxide poisoning can progress rapidly and result in serious harm without timely treatment.

“Every winter we see children requiring emergency care for preventable injuries and illnesses linked to unsafe heating practices. Carbon monoxide poisoning can progress rapidly and, without timely treatment, can have devastating consequences. It is all of our responsibility to ensure that we are keeping warm in a safe way,”

Browne said.

Practical safety tips

• Never use charcoal braziers, gas heaters or other open-flame appliances in completely enclosed rooms.
• Keep a window or door slightly open to ensure ventilation, even during very cold weather.
• Always place generators outdoors, well away from windows, doors and air vents.
• Never sleep in a room where charcoal, gas, paraffin or other fuel-burning appliances are in use.

What to do if you suspect exposure

An important warning sign is when several people in the same household develop similar symptoms at the same time. Marks advised that if more than one person experiences headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual drowsiness while indoors, carbon monoxide exposure should be considered immediately.

“If more than one person experiences headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual drowsiness while indoors, carbon monoxide exposure should be considered immediately. Leave the building, get into fresh air and seek urgent medical attention, even if symptoms begin to improve,”

she said.

The public is reminded to seek immediate medical attention if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected. In case of accidental ingestion or exposure, people are advised to seek care at their nearest clinic or contact the Poison Information Helpline of the Western Cape (PIHWC) at 086 155 5777.

Simple steps can save lives

Health officials emphasise that small measures like maintaining ventilation and using heating appliances safely can prevent unnecessary illness and fatalities during winter.