Fire Service raises alarm over ‘silent killer’ gas

The Federal Fire Service has alerted Nigerians to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, warning that the toxic gas continues to claim lives because it is difficult to detect without specialised equipment.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services, DCF Paul Abraham, the agency described carbon monoxide as a “silent killer” because it has no smell, colour or taste.

The Service explained that the gas is produced when fuels such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, gas, charcoal, coal and firewood burn incompletely.

It identified generators, gas cookers, charcoal stoves, kerosene appliances, faulty heating systems, industrial machines and vehicle exhaust fumes as some of the common sources of exposure.

According to the statement, inhaling the gas can prevent oxygen from reaching major organs including the brain, lungs and heart.

“When inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream and prevents oxygen from reaching vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs,” the agency stated.

The Service noted that symptoms are often mistaken for malaria, food poisoning or exhaustion, making diagnosis difficult in many cases.

It listed headache, dizziness, nausea, chest pain, weakness, blurred vision, confusion and unusual drowsiness as common warning signs. Severe exposure, it added, could lead to brain damage, organ failure or death.

The agency said one indication of possible carbon monoxide poisoning is when several people in the same environment begin experiencing similar symptoms simultaneously.

The Fire Service blamed many incidents on poor ventilation, badly maintained appliances and unsafe generator use.

It cautioned residents against operating generators indoors or near doors, windows and enclosed corridors, warning that fumes can spread quickly into living areas.

“Generators should always be placed outside buildings and far away from windows, doors, and ventilation openings,” the statement added.

The agency also advised Nigerians to service fuel-powered appliances regularly, ensure adequate ventilation and avoid sleeping near burning charcoal.

It further recommended the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in homes, schools, offices, hotels and other public buildings to improve safety.

In cases of suspected poisoning, the Service urged victims to move to fresh air immediately, open windows and doors, switch off the suspected source and seek urgent medical attention.

The agency asked members of the public to contact the Federal Fire Service or the nearest fire station during emergencies involving fires, gas leaks or suspected carbon monoxide exposure.