The key facts

  • Uzbekistan's Ministry of Energy warned of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during the heating season
  • Risk factors include homemade devices, faulty chimneys and ventilation, and unqualified installation
  • First symptoms of poisoning listed: headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness

Ministry's warning

As air temperatures drop, the use of heating appliances in homes increases; however, improper use of gas equipment, the use of homemade or non-standard devices, and their installation by unqualified specialists can pose a serious threat to life and health. The Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan issued this warning, reports Zamon.uz. According to the ministry, boilers and appliances that fail to meet technical requirements, improperly connected chimneys, faulty ventilation channels, and deficiencies in safety systems can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and other accidents.

Recommendations for consumers

The ministry recommends using only serviceable appliances that meet safety requirements, and not using homemade, non-standard, or faulty devices. Gas equipment should be installed by qualified specialists and its technical condition should be checked regularly. The ministry also advises monitoring the condition of chimneys and flues, cleaning them of soot, not blocking ventilation channels, not using a gas stove to heat rooms, and not leaving heating appliances unattended. If a malfunction or gas smell is detected, it is recommended to take safety measures and contact specialists.

Symptoms of poisoning

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, which makes it difficult to detect in time. The first signs of poisoning may include headache, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. If such symptoms appear, it is recommended to immediately go out into fresh air, move other people out of the danger zone, and seek emergency medical care. The ministry urged people not to neglect safety rules during the heating season and to keep gas equipment in good working order.

Why this matters

The warning concerns all households in Uzbekistan, where gas boilers and heaters are actively switched on with the onset of cold weather — faulty chimneys, blocked ventilation, and homemade devices are what the ministry names as the main risk factors for poisoning. The practical takeaway from the appeal: check chimneys and ventilation, avoid heating with a gas stove, and know the first symptoms of poisoning in order to leave the premises in time and call an ambulance.