With the arrival of the first cold temperatures in Buenos Aires and its surroundings, the use of stoves, ovens, and heaters has become a constant in every home. However, what should be a comfort can turn into a deadly trap: carbon monoxide (CO). Known as the "silent killer" because it has no smell, color, or taste and does not irritate the mucous membranes, this gas causes thousands of poisonings and dozens of deaths every year, as confirmed by the Argentine News Agency.
Constant ventilation is essential. The most common mistake is to seal the house to keep the cold out. Ventilation grilles: never cover them with cardboard, plastic, or furniture. They are vital for air renewal.
The golden rule: The flame should always be blue. The clearest visual sign that an appliance is malfunctioning is the color of the flame. Blue flame: Correct combustion. Yellow or orange flame: Inefficient combustion. If you see this, turn off the appliance immediately and call a registered gasfitter.
What you should NEVER do. Stoves and ovens: Never use them to heat the room. They were not designed for that and consume the oxygen in the room quickly. Braziers and kerosene heaters: If you have no other option, light and extinguish them only outside the house. Generators: They must always be outdoors, away from doors or windows. Never sleep with a lit brazier inside.
How to recognize poisoning? Symptoms are often confused with the flu or an upset stomach, but if they appear when you are in a heated environment, suspect carbon monoxide: Severe headache, Nausea and vomiting, Dizziness and weakness, Drowsiness or loss of consciousness.
IMPORTANT: At the slightest suspicion, open doors and windows, go outside, and go to the nearest health center.
Extra tip: Consider installing a home carbon monoxide detector. They are inexpensive devices that emit an audible alarm when they detect dangerous levels of the gas, giving you the time you need to react.
