The National Institute of Medical Emergency recorded 28 carbon monoxide poisonings this year, 10 more than in the entire year 2024, and warned this Thursday, November 27th, about the risks of braziers, water heaters and stoves in places with poor ventilation.
According to data from the INEM Anti-Poison Information Center (CIAV)in 2024, 18 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning were recorded, including two children.
In 2025, until November 24, 28 cases had already been recorded, involving 22 adults and six children, says the CIAV, highlighting that the majority of these situations were related to the use of braziers, water heaters or stoves in places with insufficient ventilation.
With the drop in temperatures and the increase in the use of domestic heating equipment, the CIAV recalls in a note sent to the Lusa agency “the need for safe use of appliances that can produce carbon monoxide, such as fireplaces, braziers, water heaters or gas heaters”.
“Carbon monoxide is an invisible and odorless gas and can cause poisoning with non-specific symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, malaise or drowsiness. Prevention remains the best way to avoid potentially serious situations”, he highlights.
The Poison Information Center reinforces the need to adopt preventive measures, such as checking the condition and maintenance of equipment before use and avoiding using it in completely enclosed spaces.
It also recommends adequate ventilation in the rooms where the equipment is operating and, in the event of symptoms such as headaches, nausea or fainting, opening doors and windows, removing people to the outside and contacting 112 or CIAV (800 250 250).