From Tragedy to Prevention: Addressing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Across Pakistan

Abstract

Multiple cases around Pakistan have continuously been reported on carbon monoxide poisoning in areas like Murree, Rawalpindi, and Pishin. This deadly gas is released from domestic gas geysers and generators. It is odorless and colorless, which is why it is called a silent killer. People in northern areas of Pakistan and Punjab use gas-run geysers during winters in both cars and homes, while generators are used by almost everyone in Pakistan during load shedding, especially in summers, which run on petrol, another major source of carbon monoxide. In 2022, 23 tourists in Murree died from CO poisoning in their cars during a snowstorm (1). Although many factors, like administrative failure and no warnings about harsh weather, do play a role in causing this tragic incident but the report again tells how the stranded tourists died due to poisoning and lack of ventilation. Another such case was reported in Hyderabad, where all 7 of the family members were found dead in their house in the village of Haq Nawaz Junejo. During investigations, it was later found that the generator in that house was completely dry, suggesting carbon monoxide as the main suspect (2).