Geyser Gas Leak Kills Two Couples: Why Is It Risky? What Precautions to Take?

Two couples in Mumbai and Ghaziabad lost their lives this week, in separate incidents, due to geyser gas leaks.

Do gas geysers pose a huge risk to safety?

(Photo: FIT)

Two couples in Mumbai and Ghaziabad lost their lives earlier this week, in separate incidents, allegedly due to geyser gas leaks. 

Both the couples, Deepak Shah (45) and Tina Shah (39) from Mumbai, and Deepak (40) and Shilpi (36) of Ghaziabad, allegedly died of suffocation after the gas leaked from the geysers, in their respective cities.

While the Mumbai couple was found unconscious by the police after the couple’s relatives sought their help, the Ghaziabad couple was found by their children, unconscious in the bathroom. 

But how did this happen? Do gas geysers pose a huge risk to safety? FIT tells you.

How Gas Geysers Work: Gas geysers use oxygen present in the air and produce carbon monoxide to heat water. In a closed space, the geyser can lead to a lack of oxygen, leading to suffocation, which can be fatal.

Gas geysers also use Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), inhaling which in large amounts can lead to nausea, vomiting, feeling faint-headed, etc.

In a study, conducted between 2008-2011, published in the Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, gas geysers in ill-ventilated bathrooms were found to be the cause of 26 epileptic seizures, reported Indian Express.

Health Issues That Gas Geysers Can Lead To:

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness

• Hypoxia

• Cardiac Arrest

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Brain Swelling

• Brain Damage

• Headaches 

• Disorientation 

Why People Opt For Gas Geysers:

• Cheaper than electric geysers

• Does not require electricity

What To Ensure When Operating A Gas Geyser?

• Make sure the room is well ventilated

• Get your geyser checked regularly

• Don’t keep it running for a long time

• Get the necessary help if you face any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning