Choked Stove Poisons!

Experts draw attention to the increasing cases of stove poisonings in the current winter months, stating that unwanted incidents can be prevented with some measures. Dr. Nuri Bingöl reminded that sufficient oxygen is required for complete combustion of the stove, and stated that chimneys must be kept open and clean for this.

Chimneys must be kept open and clean! 

Dr. Nuri Bingöl, Vice Dean of the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences and OHS expert, faculty member, reminded about the measures to be taken to prevent stove poisonings.

Highlighting the importance of taking certain measures to prevent carbon monoxide poisonings, Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “Stoves are one of the tools we use for heating in winter. Coal and/or wood-derived materials are burned in them as flammable substances.”

Complete combustion occurs when oxygen is sufficient

Stating that complete combustion occurs when oxygen is sufficient, Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “Combustion is a chemical reaction of oxygen with a flammable substance, and the combustion products are generally carbon dioxide and water vapor. These combustion products occur as complete combustion when oxygen is sufficient and are expelled through the chimney.”

Unexpelled carbon dioxide poses a danger

Stating that the chimney also provides oxygen entry to the stove, Dr. Nuri Bingöl warned, “Therefore, a blocked chimney constitutes a significant problem, and unexpelled suffocating carbon dioxide creates danger. However, the main problem is the insufficient oxygen intake and the inability for complete combustion to occur inside the stove, especially due to the wind pressing down on the chimney from above during southwesterly winds (lodos).”

Carbon monoxide gas is released when a stove chokes

“In this event, which we call stove choking, a high amount of smoke is formed,” said Dr. Nuri Bingöl,

“In this situation, incomplete combustion occurs, and instead of carbon dioxide, a very toxic gas like carbon monoxide is produced in the combustion reaction. Even very small amounts of this gas have a toxic effect and cause deaths in a very short time.”

Chimneys must be kept open

Noting the importance of keeping chimneys open for this reason, Dr. Nuri Bingöl said, “As can be understood from this, regularly cleaning and keeping chimneys open, not lighting a stove if necessary during southwesterly and stormy weather, or at least checking whether the stove is burning or choking while at the stove, are life-saving precautions. It is dangerous to leave the stove burning and go to sleep. Detectors play an important role. Popularizing the use of detectors is also among the measures to be taken.”