AIIMS-Trained Neurologist Warns of Gas Geyser Risk After Rising Bathroom Collapse Cases, Urges Safer Use

New Delhi | January 1, 2026 An AIIMS-trained neurologist has issued a strong warning about the dangers of gas geysers after a growing number of cases where people were found unconscious or collapsed in their bathrooms. The alert follows reports of a young woman fainting shortly after entering her bathroom, drawing attention to what doctors describe as a hidden but serious household risk. Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, a general physician and neurologist at The Neuromed Clinic in Gurugram, who trained at AIIMS Delhi, shared her concerns through an Instagram video in December 2025. She explained that many such incidents are linked to the use of gas-powered water heaters in poorly ventilated bathrooms, a condition often referred to as “gas geyser syndrome”. According to Dr Sehrawat, gas geysers operate using LPG or natural gas, which can release carbon monoxide when burned. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas, making it extremely dangerous as people often do not realise they are being exposed to it. She explained that when gas geysers are used in small, enclosed spaces without proper airflow, oxygen levels fall while carbon monoxide levels rise rapidly. Dr Sehrawat said many patients collapse in bathrooms because they unknowingly inhale excessive carbon monoxide. This gas binds with haemoglobin in the blood, preventing it from carrying oxygen to vital organs, especially the brain. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, fainting and even seizures can occur. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening. She added that carbon monoxide poisoning is often called the “silent killer” because victims may feel weak or disoriented before they can react or leave the room. By the time symptoms become obvious, it may already be too late for the person to save themselves without help. Despite the risks, gas geysers remain popular in many households. Dr Sehrawat explained that people often choose them because they offer continuous hot water, work during power cuts and are usually cheaper to operate in areas with high electricity costs. In regions with frequent electricity outages or unstable power supply, gas geysers are often seen as a practical solution. However, the doctor stressed that convenience should never come at the cost of safety. She advised people to choose electrical geysers whenever possible, as they do not produce harmful gases. Electrical models, she said, are generally safer for indoor use, especially in bathrooms with limited ventilation. For households where using a gas geyser is unavoidable, Dr Sehrawat shared clear safety guidelines. She emphasised that gas geysers should ideally not be installed inside bathrooms. If they must be placed there, the bathroom must have proper ventilation, including windows, exhaust fans or ventilation ducts that allow fresh air to flow in and toxic gases to escape. She further advised that doors and windows should not be tightly shut when a gas geyser is in use. Regular maintenance of the appliance is also crucial to ensure it is functioning correctly and not leaking gas. In addition, users should be alert to warning signs such as dizziness, headache, nausea or unusual weakness while bathing, and should immediately step out and seek fresh air if such symptoms occur. Medical experts say these warnings are especially important during winter months, when bathrooms are often kept closed to retain warmth, increasing the risk of gas buildup. Awareness, proper installation and simple safety measures can prevent tragic accidents. Dr Sehrawat concluded by urging people to take bathroom safety seriously and not ignore these risks. She said a small change, such as choosing a safer geyser or improving ventilation, can save lives. As cases of bathroom collapses continue to surface, her message serves as a timely reminder that everyday appliances can become dangerous if basic safety rules are overlooked. AIIMS-Trained Neurologist Warns of Gas Geyser Risk After Rising Bathroom Collapse Cases, Urges Safer Use A shocking rise in cases of people collapsing in bathrooms has prompted an urgent warning from an AIIMS-trained neurologist. Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, a general physician and neurologist based in Gurugram, has explained the real reason behind these incidents, often linked to the use of gas geysers in poorly ventilated spaces. Dr Sehrawat recently highlighted a case where a young woman collapsed shortly after entering her bathroom. According to her, many such emergencies are caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, a danger people cannot see or smell. Gas geysers run on LPG or natural gas, and when used in closed or poorly ventilated bathrooms, they release carbon monoxide while reducing oxygen levels. Carbon monoxide is often called a “silent killer” because its effects are felt only when it’s already dangerous. The gas binds to haemoglobin in the blood and blocks oxygen supply to the brain. This can lead to dizziness, confusion, fainting, seizures and, in severe cases, can be fatal. By the time a person realises something is wrong, they may already be too weak to step out. Despite the risks, gas geysers are still common because they provide continuous hot water, work during power cuts and are often cheaper than electric options. However, Dr Sehrawat strongly advises switching to electrical geysers whenever possible, as they do not release harmful gases. If a gas geyser must be used, safety is non-negotiable. It should never be installed in a closed bathroom. Proper ventilation is essential, with windows, exhaust fans or air ducts to allow airflow. Doors should not be fully shut during use, and the appliance should be serviced regularly. The doctor also warns people to take symptoms seriously. Feeling dizzy, weak, nauseous or confused while bathing is a red flag. Step out immediately, get fresh air and seek medical help. A small safety decision today can prevent a life-threatening emergency tomorrow.