Health agencies warn of carbon monoxide and burn risks as winter heating rises

Argentina's Ministry of Health released safety guidelines for the colder season, urging households to ventilate rooms, avoid unsafe heating devices such as makeshift stoves, and have gas appliances inspected annually to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The advisory lists symptoms of exposure, emergency numbers, and stresses keeping flues clear and not running combustion engines indoors.

Chile's consumer protection body COANIQUEM cautioned parents about an increase in severe burns among children during winter holidays. It recommends maintaining a one‑metre safety zone around stoves, using protective barriers, securing hot liquids and heaters out of reach, and regularly inspecting hot‑water bottles. Both agencies emphasize adult supervision and simple precautions to avoid life‑threatening injuries.