Boon or Bane—Gas Geysers: An Efficient Convenience or a Risky Burden
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Gas geysers have emerged as a cost-effective method for heating water at homes. These appliances run on liquefied petroleum gas, which generates various gaseous by-products on combustion. When liberated into an enclosed and ill-ventilated small space, these asphyxiants can lead to serious morbidity and mortality in the exposed victims. We report a case of a 22-year-old male found dead in a bathroom. The autopsy of a deceased individual was performed, and a 9 cm × 5 cm scald on the back of the left palm was noted. The body exhibited cherry red discolouration in the back, upper and lower limbs and internal organs. Tissue and blood samples were collected for further analysis. Water heaters, stoves and boilers are examples of household appliances that could leak carbon monoxide (CO) and result in fatalities. Installing gas geysers in bathrooms with limited ventilation can be dangerous. Hence, implementing effective preventive measures is essential to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with them.
Authors: Vigneshwaran P, Chandrakanth HV, Arun M, Smitha Rani
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409409866