Introduction
Heaters and blowers are in high demand due to the bitter cold. People leave it on for long periods of time at home so that the entire room maintains body temperature.
Simultaneously, health professionals advise against using electronic devices to keep the body warm. According to experts, the heat produced in an abnormal manner can be damaging to the heart, lungs, and skin. As a result of its use, numerous patients reach hospitals with skin and respiratory issues.
Doctors said that several patients who are complaining of dry skin are significantly increasing in the midst of winter. Most of them are the users of angithi, heaters, and blowers.
The heated air from the heater can produce dry and red skin because it absorbs the moisture in the room, exacerbating skin problems. As a result, the amount of oxygen in the house begins to decrease, which can be fatal at times.
Artificial heating dries the air which irritates the nasal passage and the lungs. In such situations, problems can occur such as dryness, cough, and dehydration.
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Let’s have a brief on heating equipment:
Angithis
Angithis, also known as traditional heaters, are commonly utilised in our nation. During the winter, you may see this alternative to modern room heaters nearly everywhere. People gather around the fires to keep warm during the cold winter months.
Coal is a main source of fuel for angithis, but wood in the form of tree branches, twigs, and occasionally garbage and old papers is also utilised.
Room heaters
An alternative to angithis for those who live in cities and have little access to angithi relies primarily on room heaters operated by electricity.
These are incredibly simple to use and do not require any additional fuel to operate. During the winter, sales of tiny and portable room heaters increase.
Blowers
They are different from heaters. A blower is mostly used to move air into a certain location or direction. The air is normally propelled forward by the machine using a fan. This air can be directed into or away from the machine to which the blower fan is attached.
Chances of asphyxiation due to angithi
Deaths from angithi or room heaters are not uncommon. A few days ago, two members of a family perished in Punjab’s Ludhiana area from asphyxiation or suffocation caused by a lack of oxygen. They died owing to a lack of oxygen because there was no outlet in the room for ventilation as per the sources.
Several such accidents occur during the winter when people mistakenly place burning angithis or room heaters in rooms and go to sleep.
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What could be the dangers of using angithis, heaters, and blowers during winter?
- The continuous use of a heater diminishes the oxygen level, which can cause difficulties such as tiredness, nausea, and headache.
- Heaters might cause respiratory problems by increasing the level of carbon dioxide and thereby causing a feeling of suffocation.
- Long-term use of the heater causes mucus to accumulate in the lungs of respiratory patients, and as a result, causes coughing and sneezing.
- Continuous use of the heater might also cause skin irritation, itching, and rashes.
Things to keep in mind while using angithis, heaters, and blowers
- Keep a vessel filled with water in the room whenever you use the heater. This will allow evaporation to occur and maintain the humidity level.
- Always set the heater at an appropriate temperature so that the room temperature can be maintained.
- Keep the door or window of the room open when running the heater. This will maintain the room temperature as well as the levels of clean air.
- Never leave the heater/blower on overnight. Sleep with the heating on for 1-2 hours, then turn it off.
- Reduce the usage of room heaters in the bedrooms of children and the elderly.
How to bring heat to the body?
Ginger tea, jaggery, revdi, gajak, sesame jaggery gajak, peanuts, fenugreek khichdi, carrot pudding, almonds, seasonal vegetables, millet, and maize flour, are all good additions to your diet.
Final thoughts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast harsh winter conditions for numerous parts of the country in the coming days.
People will undoubtedly resort to techniques to remain warm when the temperature drops, and room heaters, angithis are highly popular.
Moreover, people are advised and should protect themselves from the chilly weather by drinking hot beverages. They can also drink lukewarm water on a regular basis and dress warmly before going outside.
You are also advised to opt for a complete health checkup if you experience any signs and symptoms of respiratory difficulties. A thorough checkup will allow you to have an eye on your necessary body vitals so that timely precautions and treatment can be taken.
Written by: Anjali Dharra
