The Federal Fire Service has warned Nigerians about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, describing the gas as a “silent killer” responsible for several deaths and serious health complications globally each year.
In a statement issued on Friday by the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services, DCF Paul Abraham, the Service said carbon monoxide remained one of the most dangerous gases found in homes, workplaces and enclosed environments because it has no colour, no smell, and no taste, making it difficult to detect without proper equipment.
According to the agency, carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as petrol, diesel, gas, kerosene, charcoal, firewood and coal do not burn completely.
The Service identified generators, gas cookers, charcoal stoves, kerosene appliances, vehicle exhaust systems, industrial machines and faulty heating systems as common sources of the poisonous gas.
The agency said one indication of possible carbon monoxide poisoning is when several people in the same environment begin experiencing similar symptoms simultaneously.
The Fire Service blamed many incidents on poor ventilation, badly maintained appliances and unsafe generator use. It cautioned residents against operating generators indoors or near doors, windows and enclosed corridors, warning that fumes can spread quickly into living areas.
The Fire Service also advised residents to ensure proper ventilation when using fuel-burning appliances, avoid sleeping near burning charcoal and regularly service generators, gas cookers and heating equipment.
It further encouraged homes, schools, hotels, offices and public buildings to install carbon monoxide detectors as an additional safety measure.
The warning carries added weight given that at least 37 people were killed in a carbon monoxide poisoning incident at a Nigerian mine as recently as February 2026 , underscoring the urgency of the alert.