Temperature in Qatar is expected to drop even further in the coming days. One way people keep warm during winter time is by burning wood or charcoal.

However, the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has issued a warning against burning of these substances indoors as it holds the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, reported Gulf Times

HMC has asked people not to burn wood and charcoal indoors or in enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the gas that is released.

“One of the leading causes of carbon monoxide-related poisoning and death is the burning of wood or charcoal inside the home,” HMC said in a statement aimed at raising awareness about the issue. 

Carbon monoxide is a very poisonous gas which is particularly dangerous as it cannot be seen or smelt. This means that people who are exposed to it may not be aware of its presence. Even small quantities of the gas can be extremely deadly particularly when this gas is released in a small space without proper ventilation, reported The Peninsula. 

“Lack of proper ventilation results in the concentration of gas getting higher and higher until the level is so great that people inside the room or house where the gas is present breathe it in and suffocate — leading to brain damage and death,” said the report.

Dr Dominic Jenkins, Senior Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Deputy Chair for Clinical Affairs at HMC, warned residents of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“When charcoal burns, it releases carbon monoxide gas. This has no taste or smell but it can be lethal as it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain and other organs of oxygen. Large amounts of this gas can make a person lose consciousness in minutes without warning, causing suffocation and sometimes death,” he was quoted as saying by Qatar Tribune.

“Mild carbon monoxide poisoning may feel like food poisoning or flu, although unlike flu, it doesn't cause a high temperature (fever). Symptoms can include headache, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. More severe cases of poisoning may cause muscle cramps and fainting and loss of consciousness due to the poor delivery of oxygen to the heart and the brain,” he added. 

The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are particularly dangerous for children, pregnant women, people with chronic heart diseases, respiratory problems or anaemia.

Picture courtesy: The Peninsula