Instant geysers emerge as health threat due to gas leakage

52 cases of paralysis so far reported to two hospitals of federal capital 

Islamabad

The rising trend of installation of instant geysers has emerged as a health threat this year. So far, a total of 52 cases of paralysis due to gas leakage from instant geysers have been reported at two hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Maroof International Hospital.

The data collected by ‘The News’ on Wednesday reveals that as many as 18 of the 52 victims had to undergo treatment at intensive care units of the hospitals, however, no death has so far been reported due to it.

In case of leakage of methane gas and in case of liquefied petroleum gas, propane or butane poisoning causes paralysis that is reversible in many cases, but only after timely response and proper treatment.

Since the setting in of winter, 52 cases of gas poisoning due to gas leakage from instant geysers is an alarming figure and the problem needs due attention of the concerned authorities, said ICU Medical Specialist at PIMS Dr. Muhammad Haroon while talking to ‘The News’ on Wednesday.

He said that the LPG cylinders attached with instant geysers contain mixtures of hydrocarbon gases that are extremely inflammable. These act by directly inhibiting the neuromuscular impulse transmission causing sudden flaccid paralysis that progress in descending direction from face to toes, he said.

He explained that in case of excessive amount of these gases, the symptoms start by double vision, blurred visual fields, headache and dizziness that are later followed by sudden progressive paralysis. If the patient is not rescued in time, he can go into autonomic dysreflexia causing sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure, he said. Dysreflexia is a life threatening condition and is considered as medical emergency.

He added that in case of gas leakage and or stay for longer period of time in bathroom that is not well ventilated, carbon dioxide gas is retained in the body and oxygen levels deteriorate to dangerous limits causing permanent brain damage and death.

Dr. Haroon said a victim has to inhale carbon monoxide in case of gas leakage that causes heart rhythm disorders, fits, loss of vision, brain swelling and multi-organ failure if the victim is not given medical aid in time.

Talking of the first aid remedies, he said such victim should be removed immediately from the source to open air and should be taken to the nearest hospital as early as possible. Water or food should not be given to like victims for at least 12 to 24 hours. Some of the victims need artificial assisted breathing by means of mechanical ventilator so a victim must be moved to emergency department immediately, he said.

He suggested that instant geysers should be maintained and used with extreme precautions and in case of appearance of any fault, the equipment should not be used at all.