Carbon Monoxide Gas: Carbon monoxide gas is colorless and odorless, produced due to incomplete combustion, such as from heaters, boilers, chimneys, and gas stoves, due to inadequate ventilation systems (flue), which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is Very Simple:

1. Using standard heating appliances is crucial in preventing this poisoning, and unvented heaters do not prevent CO gas production at all.
2. Attention to the warmth of the chimney is also the best health test for the chimney. If your heater’s chimney pipe is cold, it means the combustion products and toxic gases are not exiting the chimney. In this case, you should temporarily open a part of the door or window for ventilation in the environment while fixing the issue.
3. The flame color of the heater and cooking appliances should be blue. If the flame color is red, yellow, or orange, there is definitely a problem with fuel supply and lack of oxygen in the environment, which should be repaired and refueled immediately. If the heater flame is not blue, it may indicate insufficient air reaching the heater and the production of carbon monoxide gas.
4. When using heating appliances such as heaters and chimneys, all air vents in the house, especially in the bedroom, should not be blocked.
5. Avoid installing a water heater in the bathroom and turning on gas stove flames to keep the indoor environment warm.
6. If the shared chimney for multiple units is small in size and its duct and piping are inadequate, it may cause smoke to return from the lit chimney of lower floors into the apartment through the inactive chimney of upper floors.
7. All chimney exits should be at least one meter away from the roof surface and one meter away from the sidewall of the roof and have a special (H-shaped) hood.
8. If you heat your space with a heater or central heating system, sealing and closing outlets to prevent heat loss is permissible.
9. If you use gas heaters for space heating, ensure ventilation through a door or window opening in the area and avoid sealing off and completely closing vents.
10. Avoid using heating appliances without installing a chimney or with defective chimneys.
11. Wall-mounted water heaters are not allowed in enclosed spaces or places without ventilation.
12. Every gas appliance must have an independent chimney terminating outside.
13. Never use oil or gas lamps without a chimney inside the house, especially during sleep.
14. Install a carbon monoxide alarm inside the house, especially in sleeping areas.
15. Repairing heating appliances by untrained and inexperienced individuals or installing them by family members can be dangerous.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include a wide range of symptoms seen in various illnesses. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms resemble those of a cold, and most people think they have a cold due to the cold weather and try to sleep. If all family members experience symptoms similar to the flu, it indicates poisoning in individuals.

• Headache
• Physical weakness, dizziness, and restlessness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive yawning
• Reduced vision
• Severe drowsiness, lethargy, fatigue, and reduced muscle strength are among the initial symptoms of poisoning in individuals. If individuals notice such symptoms, they can prevent the progression of poisoning by leaving the contaminated area.

Symptoms of End-stage and Near-death:
Cyanosis of the hands, lips, and fingertips are among the final symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, ultimately causing shortness of breath and death.

High-risk Groups:
All individuals are at risk, but children, pregnant women, and the elderly are more vulnerable and at greater risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and symptoms of poisoning in them occur more rapidly and with greater intensity. Also, the concentration of carbon monoxide gas in the room has a significant effect on poisoning.

How to Deal with Carbon Monoxide Poisoned Individuals:

1. Transfer the poisoned person from the contaminated environment to fresh air.
2. Loosen the collar, belt, and tight clothing of the poisoned individuals.
3. If possible, provide oxygen to the poisoned individual.
4. Keeping airways open and contacting emergency services at 115 should be given attention in subsequent treatment stages.

* Remember that removing injured individuals from the contaminated environment and being in an open space is one of the most important preventive measures.