Warning against carbon monoxide poisoning

With the cold weather settling in Erzincan, experts have warned citizens to be careful about carbon monoxide poisoning caused by the use of wood, stoves, and natural gas, noting that stove poisoning has been eliminated in homes where chimneys are cleaned.

Experts informing about carbon monoxide poisoning stated that chimney cleaning can prevent stove and natural gas poisoning during winter months, and that carbon monoxide poisoning occurs due to the inability of smoke to escape from blocked chimneys.

“Every chimney that is not cleaned or repaired invites disaster”

According to the information received, every chimney that is not cleaned over time collects soot and creosote, and because the chimney cannot function properly due to the accumulation of soot, it prevents the release of toxic gases into the outside air. As a result of low winds, these toxic gases can infiltrate the environment, posing a significant health risk. To avoid such negative situations, the repair and cleaning of chimneys must be done periodically without interruption.

Experts noted that the initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, fatigue, and nausea, and explained what to do in case of poisoning: “In serious poisoning cases, dizziness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and death can occur. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected; windows should be opened immediately to ventilate the area, poisoned individuals should be quickly removed from the environment and taken outdoors, and the 112 Emergency Call Center should be contacted.”

Before winter, experts made the following warnings to citizens:

1- The conformity of the fuel used to the standards should be checked, and coal should not be purchased from sellers without a permit.

2- Care should be taken not to overly fill the stove, as it will narrow the smoke path and weaken the chimney draft due to uneven heat distribution inside the stove.

3- Flammable liquids such as gasoline should not be used to make the stove burn quickly.

4- Never add hard-to-burn fuels to a dying stove; fuel should be added gradually, and no fuel should be added to the stove before going to bed.

5- Since the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases in poorly heating stoves and those burning coal from the bottom, fuel should be ignited from above when lighting the stove.

6- Especially since an increase in fatal incidents is observed during low-pressure winds, if the chimneys do not meet standards, stoves should not be burned in low-pressure weather; if it is necessary to burn them, they must be completely extinguished at night before going to bed.

7- When connecting stove pipes, air and chimney gas tightness should be ensured.

8- The windows of the room with the stove should be opened and ventilated every 2 hours.

9- Do not sleep near the stove; if possible, check the stove at regular intervals.

10- Chimneys should meet the standards and be insulated, and should be cleaned regularly.

11- To prevent smoke backflow, the top of the chimney should be at least 1 meter higher than the highest point of the roof, and a chimney cap should definitely be installed.