RIYADH: The Civil Defense issued a warning to the public Saturday to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide emitted by burning wood and coal, describing it as a “colorless, odorless and tasteless gas” which can be lethal if inhaled in large quantities. The statement said that “numerous incidents” of carbon monoxide poisoning had been reported, and that fires in desert tents were of particular concern. Saleh Al-Ayed of public relations at the Civil Defense said that a lot of people burn wood and coal in tents and rooms with “no attention to safety”. “Inhaling it causes damage to brain cells, leading to lethargy and sluggishness, leaving the person unable to stand or even call out for help, and can cause death which in many cases occurs in under four minutes,” Al-Ayed said. Civil Defense safety instructions have been published advising the public to light wood or coal outside tents, ensure ventilation should smoke enter, and make sure all fires are thoroughly extinguished before going to sleep.
