Narva heatwave sparks carbon monoxide emergency calls as ventilation fails

Abnormal heat in Narva last week caused a sharp rise in carbon monoxide poisoning alerts. High temperatures disrupted ventilation systems in apartment buildings, making gas water heaters dangerous to use. One Narva resident spent the night on oxygen therapy after being affected.

An unusual heatwave in Narva last week triggered a significant increase in emergency calls related to carbon monoxide poisoning risk. Rescue services responded to multiple incidents across the city as residents were unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels of the odourless gas.

The root cause was identified as a ventilation failure in multi-storey apartment buildings. Extreme temperatures caused the natural draft in ventilation shafts to reverse or stall entirely, preventing gas water heaters from expelling combustion gases properly. Instead of being vented outside, carbon monoxide accumulated inside living spaces.

## Resident Hospitalised After Overnight Exposure

One Narva resident described waking up feeling unwell and not initially understanding what was wrong. It was only after emergency responders arrived that it became clear gas poisoning was to blame. She was taken for treatment and spent the entire night receiving oxygen therapy before her condition stabilised.

Authorities are urging residents in older apartment buildings — particularly those with gas water heaters — to exercise caution during heat spells. Experts recommend ensuring windows are open for cross-ventilation when using gas appliances and to contact emergency services immediately if dizziness, headaches or nausea occur indoors.

## Ageing Housing Stock Poses Hidden Risks

The incident highlights a little-discussed danger of summer heatwaves in cities with ageing Soviet-era housing stock, where ventilation systems were not designed to function during sustained high temperatures. Emergency services have advised building managers to inspect shared ventilation shafts as a precautionary measure.