CARBON dioxide and carbon monoxide emitted from generators, charcoal and firewood stoves, and mosquito coils are harmful to human health. Therefore, people should be aware of the negative effects of these dangerous gases and consider ways to prevent exposure to polluted air.
People are especially at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when using generators in unventilated rooms or cooking with stoves that emit large amounts of smoke in enclosed kitchens. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that has no smell or taste. Although small amounts of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere may not be noticeable, high concentrations can severely damage the organs of living beings, including humans.
Health experts note that individuals who unintentionally inhale large amounts of carbon monoxide may experience symptoms of toxicity such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, stomach pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and confusion. If so, they need to seek medical treatment at nearby clinics and hospitals in time.
Generally, materials that use fuel and engines, including generators, emit carbon monoxide, though usually in small amounts. However, in poorly or completely unventilated spaces, inhaling carbon monoxide can lead to poisoning. This is especially dangerous when people are asleep, as they may not notice the symptoms. The risk is even greater for those who have consumed excessive alcohol, as it can dull the body’s ability to respond to the warning signs of carbon monoxide toxicity.
Surveys showed that approximately 28,900 people worldwide died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2021. The data revealed regional differences in death rates, with Eastern Europe recording the highest rate at 2.12 deaths per 100,000 population. About 70 per cent of the fatalities were male, and the highest number of deaths occurred among individuals aged 50 to 54. However, the highest death rate was observed in those aged 85 and above.
Air pollution poses a serious environmental threat to human health. This danger is often greater than expected. Since humans depend on oxygen in the atmosphere, inhaling high levels of carbon monoxide without sufficient oxygen can lead to life-threatening consequences. Scientific research has found that fine particles, including those associated with carbon monoxide, are among the leading causes of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses. Therefore, people should avoid polluted areas in their daily routines to protect their health and well-being, and so as not to do activities to enable the emission of carbon monoxide, harming others in society.
