TikToker's near-death experience sparks urgent winter charcoal warning

She thought the charcoal would keep her warm. Instead, it nearly cost her her life.

As temperatures continue to drop across South Africa and households battle rising electricity costs, one Cape Town woman's frightening experience is serving as a timely warning about a winter heating method that health experts say can turn deadly within minutes.

TikTok creator Mazou, who posts under the handle @Zowie, recently shared what she describes as a near-death experience after she and her partner brought burning charcoal into their home for warmth during a cold night in Kraaifontein.

What began as a practical attempt to beat the winter chill quickly became a medical emergency.

According to the creator, they first lit the charcoal outside before bringing it indoors once it was burning properly. At first, the warmth felt comforting.

But less than an hour later, something felt wrong.

In the now-viral video, she explains that both she and her partner suddenly began feeling unusually hot and uncomfortable. Her partner suggested taking the charcoal back outside and stepped out to get some fresh air.

She followed shortly afterwards. That is when the situation took a terrifying turn. As soon as she reached the outside area, she struggled to breathe and collapsed. The next thing she remembers is waking up after losing consciousness.

Upon regaining consciousness, she attempted to go back inside, but said the smell from the charcoal was overwhelming.

" Ndiqonba kunini sawotha amalahle, izolo andibonisile. Andinabhongo ,"(we've warmed ourselves with charcoal before, but yesterday truly showed me flames. I am completely defeated), she said in the video, warning others not to make the same mistake.

The danger you cannot see, smell or taste

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), burning charcoal releases carbon monoxide, commonly known as CO, an odourless, colourless gas often referred to as the "silent killer."

Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide does not irritate your eyes or throat. You cannot see it. You cannot smell it. You often do not realise it is building up inside a room until symptoms begin.

The CDC warns that carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion and difficulty breathing.

In severe cases, victims lose consciousness and may die.

People who are asleep are particularly vulnerable because they may never wake up to recognise the warning signs. Moreover, if multiple people in the same room develop similar symptoms at the same time, carbon monoxide poisoning should be considered an emergency.

Why does winter increase the risk?

The incident comes at a time when many South African households are searching for affordable ways to stay warm.

With electricity tariffs rising and many families struggling with the cost of living, charcoal, braziers, paraffin heaters and other fuel-burning heating methods often become attractive alternatives.

But health and safety experts repeatedly warn that charcoal should never be used indoors, regardless of whether windows are open or ventilation is available.

The CDC notes that carbon monoxide can accumulate rapidly in enclosed spaces, including homes, garages, vehicles, tents and informal structures. Even charcoal that appears to have stopped burning can continue producing dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.

What carbon monoxide actually does to the body

The danger becomes even more alarming when you understand what happens inside the body.

When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it enters the bloodstream and attaches itself to red blood cells more effectively than oxygen does.

This effectively blocks oxygen from reaching vital organs such as the brain, heart and lungs.

Imagine slowly suffocating while continuing to breathe normally. That is why many victims report feeling dizzy, confused or unusually tired before collapsing. Without urgent intervention, the brain and organs begin to shut down due to oxygen deprivation.

While Statistics South Africa groups carbon monoxide (CO) cases under the general "accidental poisoning," localised data highlights a significant, hidden health threat during the winter months. Forensic evidence indicates CO toxicity causes 1.4% of all fatal toxicology cases in Western Cape state labs, with over 100 emergency calls reported to the Poison Information Helpline during the May-to-August peak season.

Mazou's experience is a reminder that some of the biggest winter dangers do not come from the cold itself but from the desperate measures people take to escape it.

A bag of charcoal may seem like an inexpensive solution during a freezing night, but health experts say it should never be used inside a home.