The unregulated, widespread use of heating appliances has led to many accidents resulting in deaths and hospitalizations of many people in Nepal every year. Home and hotel accidents from poisoning and fire are more likely to occur during winter time. This is mainly due to either a malfunctioning heating unit or to a deficient ventilation system, which can lead to serious injuries and in the worst case scenario it can cause death as well.

“At home, Carbon Monoxide (CO) may accumulate within rooms while using gas water heater/heater appliances if there’s no proper ventilation system in the building,” says Niranjan Shrestha, the CEO of Environmental Services Nepal (ESN). “ When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in their bodies and lead to poisoning. Since CO has no smell, colour or taste, it cannot be detected by our senses and can lead to death very fast or to serious health injuries in case of a prolonged exposure to CO. It’s very risky to use a gas water heater and heating appliances in terms of disaster vulnerability without a proper ventilation system in home,” he adds.