The Federal Fire Service has cautioned Nigerians against the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, describing the toxic gas as a silent threat responsible for numerous deaths and severe health complications worldwide.
In a statement issued on Friday by the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services, DCF Paul Abraham, the agency warned that carbon monoxide remains one of the deadliest household and industrial gases because it is colourless, odourless and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without specialised devices.
The Service explained that the poisonous gas is produced when fuels such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, gas, charcoal, coal and firewood burn incompletely.
According to the statement, common sources of carbon monoxide include generators, gas cookers, charcoal stoves, kerosene appliances, faulty heating systems, industrial machines and vehicle exhaust fumes.
The agency noted that inhaling the gas deprives vital organs such as the brain, lungs and heart of oxygen, a condition that could lead to unconsciousness, permanent organ damage or death if exposure is prolonged.
It added that symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often confused with malaria, stress or food poisoning, thereby making early diagnosis difficult.
The Fire Service listed headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, chest pain, blurred vision, confusion and excessive sleepiness among common symptoms associated with exposure to the gas.
“One major warning sign is when several people within the same environment begin experiencing similar symptoms simultaneously,” the statement read.
The Service blamed many incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning on poor generator positioning, inadequate ventilation, defective appliances and running vehicle engines in enclosed spaces.
It warned Nigerians against operating generators indoors, in kitchens, corridors or close to windows and doors, stressing that fumes could quickly spread into living areas.
“Generators should always be kept outside buildings and far from windows, doors and ventilation points,” the statement added.
The agency further advised residents to ensure adequate ventilation while using fuel-powered appliances, avoid sleeping near burning charcoal and regularly maintain generators, gas cookers and heating devices.
It also urged homes, schools, offices, hotels and other public facilities to install carbon monoxide detectors to enhance safety.
In cases of suspected exposure, the Service advised affected persons to immediately move to open air, switch off the suspected source where possible, open doors and windows and seek urgent medical attention.
The Fire Service urged members of the public to report fire outbreaks, gas-related incidents or suspected carbon monoxide poisoning through its emergency line, 08032003557, or the nearest fire station.