Your Gas Stove Might Be Slowly Poisoning You — Here’s How I Found Out

I understand that you're wondering, "Why did I just turn off the gas?" I was experiencing unusual fatigue a few days ago, along with a heavy head and even breathing difficulties. At first, we thought it might be a vitamin deficit. We attempted various home treatments and conducted some tests, but to no avail. Something snapped today when I saw a yellow flame emerging from the gas burner. I understood that it might be carbon monoxide poisoning, a deadly yet silent hazard that lurks in our own kitchens.The odorless, invisible gas known as carbon monoxide (CO) has the potential to be fatal. This unseen risk is more prevalent than we may think in India, where millions of homes continue to use LPG stoves without adequate ventilation. Let's explore the dangers of carbon monoxide, how to spot its signs early, and what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.


The incomplete burning of fuels such as gas, wood, coal, or kerosene produces carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas. When these fuels are burned in an area with inadequate ventilation, the gas accumulates in the space without being able to leave. Why is it lethal? It forms carboxyhemoglobin by binding to our blood's haemoglobin 230 times faster than oxygen. Tissue hypoxia, a severe condition that can harm your heart, brain, and other essential organs, results from this obstruction of oxygen flow to your organs and tissues.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be easily mistaken for everyday fatigue or seasonal flu:

In serious cases, it can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and even death. What’s scary is that the symptoms start slow, often unnoticed, and build up over time.


The fact that this flame was yellow rather than the typical blue one was the true hint in my instance. Carbon monoxide is produced when incomplete combustion occurs, as indicated by a yellow or orange flame on a gas stove. This indicates that the gas in your stove is not burning efficiently, and you may be unknowingly inhaling harmful pollutants. Always watch your stove’s flame. A clean, efficient burn should produce a sharp blue flame. Anything less than that is a red flag.


Indian kitchens tend to be small, confined, and poorly ventilated. There are either no exhaust fans or they are not working. To stay warm throughout the winter, we keep our windows and doors closed, which traps more dangerous gases inside. The use of outdated or badly maintained stoves is another factor that contributes to the accumulation of carbon monoxide. Over time, even minor leakage can become fatal.


For both your heart and brain to work, oxygen must be continuously available. Your red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen is blocked when carbon monoxide attaches itself to them. This leads to confusion, difficulty thinking, weakness, and irregular heartbeat. In extreme situations, heart attacks and brain damage may happen before you ever realise it. Early detection is therefore essential.


Here’s what you can do immediately to protect your family:


If you or someone you know is showing symptoms:

Do not delay. Time is critical in such situations.

Everything changed for me because of that one yellow flame. I was awakened by it. But what if I hadn't seen it? What if we had ignored our symptoms and kept using the stove? I'm afraid to consider it. Being healthy involves more than simply our diet and level of exercise. Sometimes it's important to pay attention to the simplest symptoms, like a flame, a headache, or a breath, and treat them properly. Thus, pause the next time you enter your kitchen. Take a look at your flame. Take in the air. Take a deep breath—safely. Since your life can be at stake.


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