World · India Bureau
Budget room heaters pose health risks, experts warn Indian users
As winter sets in across India, affordable room heaters and blowers have become household staples. However, health experts caution that prolonged use of these devices in enclosed spaces can create serious health hazards.
LSN India ·
Millions of Indians rely on inexpensive room heaters and electric blowers during the winter months to maintain warmth in their homes. Yet experts warn that extended use of these appliances, particularly in poorly ventilated or sealed rooms, carries significant health risks that consumers often overlook.
According to health professionals, room heaters operating in closed environments can substantially increase carbon dioxide levels indoors, potentially causing respiratory discomfort and other adverse effects. The continuous operation of these devices creates an environment where fresh air circulation becomes severely restricted, trapping exhaled carbon dioxide and other pollutants within confined spaces.
Beyond respiratory concerns, prolonged exposure to heated air from these devices can trigger various skin-related problems. The dry heat generated by room heaters depletes moisture from the skin, leading to irritation, dryness, and other dermatological issues that can persist even after the heating season ends.
Experts recommend several precautions for safe winter heating. These include ensuring adequate ventilation in rooms where heaters are in use, taking regular breaks from continuous heating, and maintaining proper humidity levels. Using heaters in well-ventilated spaces and limiting daily usage periods can significantly reduce associated health risks while maintaining household comfort during colder months.