8. Coal and Gas Heaters Indoors
Before central heating, many households relied on coal and gas heaters to keep warm. However, these units often operated without adequate ventilation, allowing carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas—to accumulate indoors. Countless families suffered from poisoning, sometimes with tragic, fatal outcomes. The dangers of these heaters spurred innovations in ventilation systems and strict building codes, but their legacy is a stark reminder of how easily invisible threats could infiltrate the home.
