Argentina issues winter safety guidelines to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Authorities in Argentina have issued a series of safety recommendations to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as winter temperatures drop. The guidance, shared by the gas provider Metrogas and the municipality of Jesús María, urges households to have gas appliances inspected annually by a certified gas technician, ensure that flames remain blue and steady, keep heating areas well‑ventilated, and avoid using ovens, stoves, kerosene heaters or charcoal braziers for space heating.

Specific measures include not blocking ventilation grills, keeping exhaust ducts clear, installing balanced‑vent or closed‑chamber devices in bedrooms and bathrooms, and staying away from heat sources when drying clothes. Residents are warned to watch for symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations or chest pain and to seek medical attention immediately.

The advisory follows recent incidents in Buenos Aires, where two adults and five children were hospitalized after CO poisoning in a home in Parque Chacabuco. Local officials stress the importance of permanent ventilation, proper placement of heaters away from flammable materials, and avoiding the operation of combustion engines in enclosed spaces.