The dangers of coal and firewood heating: A medical warning about the silent killer
With the arrival of winter and the drop in temperatures, many resort to traditional heating methods such as coal and firewood, seeking warmth and a cozy family atmosphere. In this context, Dr. Adel El-Shenawy, a consultant in respiratory diseases, issued a strong warning in the newspaper "Al-Youm" about the dangers of using these methods indoors without adequate ventilation, describing them as "deadly warmth.".
The silent killer: How does poisoning occur?
Dr. El-Shenawy explained the dangerous biological mechanism that occurs when charcoal or wood is burned in enclosed spaces. The combustion process produces carbon monoxide , a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, making it undetectable by the naked human senses. When inhaled, this gas penetrates the lungs and then enters the bloodstream, where it binds to red blood cells (hemoglobin) hundreds of times faster than oxygen. This deprives vital tissues and organs, especially the brain and heart, of the oxygen necessary for life.
Historical context and modern risks
Historically, humans have relied on fire for heating since ancient times, but the fundamental difference lies in the nature of dwellings. In the past, houses and tents allowed for natural air circulation and renewal, reducing the concentration of toxic gases. Today, however, with the development of modern building methods that rely on tight thermal insulation and sealed windows to prevent cold air from entering, homes have become "traps" that trap toxic gases inside, significantly increasing the likelihood of poisoning and suffocation compared to the past.
Symptoms and health complications
The consultant explained that the danger of this gas lies in its deceptive effect; the victim may initially feel warm, relaxed, and very sleepy, which some might interpret as comfort, while in reality it is the beginning of unconsciousness and coma. Initial symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. In advanced cases, poisoning can lead to permanent brain cell damage, vascular disorders, or cardiac arrest resulting in death, especially in sleeping individuals who are unaware of the symptoms.
The most affected groups and ways to prevent them
Al-Shennawi emphasized that the risks are compounded for certain groups, including fetuses, children, the elderly, and those with heart conditions or anemia. To avoid these recurring tragedies, experts advise keeping windows open to ensure continuous ventilation when using charcoal, never sleeping while a fire is burning, and installing carbon monoxide detectors in homes as a modern, life-saving preventative measure.
