Excessive use of heating equipment can be very harmful, experts warn

Illnesses that only occur when heating is on caused by carbon monoxide from faulty gas heater

ISLAMABAD: Medical experts on Friday said, with the temperatures dropping, majority of people have started using heating systems excessively to keep rooms warm especially in the evenings and the nights though most of them are unaware of the fact that the excessive use of heating systems may cause irreparable loss. Respiratory physician Dr Javed Ashraf said, excessive use of heaters during the winter season can cause dehydration which may result in kidney problems and to avoid this, one should make sure to have a high intake of water.

Don't forget, although it might be winter, fresh air is always a tonic, so airing the house on mild days will work better than an artificial freshener, he added.

It is worth mentioning that every year in Pakistan, several cases are reported in which families suffocate to death during winter season due to extensive use of heating systems including gas heaters and burning of coal and wood, Dr Ashraf informed the media. The physician highlighted, going from a hot to cold environment can increase your blood pressure and that could affect the blood supply to the heart.

He suggested drinking many fluids to save yourself from dehydration and wearing good wool clothes so that you can reduce dependency on the room heater. Health problems that seem to be worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater.

Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and seek medical attention if necessary, he mentioned.

He advised that gas heaters need to be professionally installed and serviced by a trained and qualified gasfitter. An unsafe heater can cause a house fire or pollute your home with dangerous fumes including carbon monoxide.

Moreover, Dr Ashraf further stated that carbon monoxide is colourless and odorless and high levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous as it can cause people to pass out or even die. He added that children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, older people, and people with chronic illnesses such as heart and lung disease are at increased risk from air pollutants, including carbon monoxide.

He further said that heat stress occurs when our body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating isn't enough and the body temperature keeps rising.

Also most people are unaware of the preventive measures which can be taken to minimise the damage caused by heating systems. The expert says that by creating sufficient awareness among the public on how to prevent the harmful impacts of heating systems, a number of lives and complications can be avoided.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2018.