Death by Asphyxiation in Kashmir | 08 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, six people died due to asphyxiation in Kashmir valley. The chief minister conveyed his condolences and urged people to exercise utmost caution while using heating gadgets. 

 Key Points 

• Wider Concerns in the Valley: 
  • The incident highlighted the widespread use of heating gadgets in Kashmir during harsh winters. 
  • Kashmir has already experienced two to three major spells of snowfall in 2025. 
• Health Advisory and Expert Recommendations: 
  • The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences warned against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. 
    • CO is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly in large amounts. 
    • Rising cases of CO poisoning require emergency interventions in critical care units. 
    • Doctors explained how gas, charcoal, and wood-based appliances deplete oxygen in poorly ventilated spaces, producing harmful gases like CO and CO₂. 
    • Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, chest pain, and unconsciousness. 
    • CO binds with haemoglobin, impairing oxygen transportation in the body. 
  • It is suggested to distribute Carbon Monoxide Sensors to households at subsidized rates through local bodies. 
    • It is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.