Why Space Heaters Are Becoming Deadly This Winter
As a harsh winter grips North India from Jammu and Kashmir to Bihar, families are turning to heaters and traditional braziers to stay warm. Tragically, this coping method has revealed a deadly side. Space heaters’ silent killers are no longer just a warning phrase; they reflect a disturbing rise in winter deaths linked to improper heating practices.
Over the past few weeks, several families across the Indian plains have lost their lives while sleeping, often without any sign of struggle.
A Series of Heartbreaking Incidents
Recent reports show how widespread and deadly the problem has become.
In Delhi, a family of three died after a suspected room heater malfunction led to a fire and smoke inhalation. In Bihar, a grandmother and her two young grandchildren suffocated after using a coal-fired brazier (angeethi) in a sealed room.
Similarly, in Srinagar, a family of six, including a newborn, was found dead in a rented room where an electric blower had been running overnight. In Punjab’s Tarn Taran, a young couple and their month-old baby died due to fumes from a brazier used with all doors and windows closed.
These tragedies highlight why space heaters are silent killers and have become a critical public health concern during winter.
Why Do Heaters Become “Silent Killers”?
Doctors explain that the main danger comes from carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic gas that is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. Because it gives no warning signs, people often realise the danger only when it is too late.
According to pulmonologists, heating devices that burn coal, wood, gas, or even poorly maintained electric heaters consume oxygen in closed rooms. This leads to a build-up of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, causing asphyxiation and poisoning during sleep.
Victims may first feel mild symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Extreme tiredness
However, they often lose consciousness before they can react.
A long-term study by researchers at AIIMS New Delhi found that nearly 95% of carbon monoxide deaths occur during winter, mostly due to coal-burning heaters used in poorly ventilated spaces.
Risks Go Beyond Carbon Monoxide
Health experts warn that the dangers of heaters are not limited to suffocation alone.
Prolonged heater use dries out indoor air, which can:
- Irritate the nose and throat
- Dry the skin and eyes
- Worsen asthma and allergies
In severe cases, extreme dryness and oxygen deprivation may even contribute to serious complications, including internal bleeding in vulnerable individuals.
Simple Safety Steps Can Save Lives
Most of these deaths are preventable. Following a few basic precautions can significantly reduce the risk:
- Never seal a room completely when a heater or brazier is in use
- Do not leave heaters on overnight, especially while sleeping
- Ensure ventilation by keeping a window or door slightly open
- Place a bowl of water in the room to maintain moisture levels
- Install a carbon monoxide detector at home if possible
- Service heaters regularly to prevent electrical faults or gas leaks
Conclusion
The growing number of deaths clearly shows that calling space heaters “silent killers” is not an exaggeration; it is a real medical danger. As winter becomes more severe, simple awareness and basic safety steps can truly mean the difference between surviving and losing a life.
Keeping warm should never put lives at risk. This winter, staying safe means using heaters carefully, ensuring proper ventilation, staying alert, and making informed choices at home.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 12 January 2026
- 11:00
