It’s been five days since University student Sterling Kyle Oser was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in an apartment. The accidental death was caused by a natural gas space heater left on in an unventilated room. Such an event brings to light how easily a tragedy can occur in everyday life.It’s amazing how something that seems so trivial as a heater can lead to death. We think it’s important students recognize the dangers that exist around them, especially dangers that may be commonplace.Deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning are rare but not uncommon. When breathed in, the odorless, colorless gas is absorbed by the blood, and common symptoms of poisoning include headaches, seizures and respiratory failure. Carbon monoxide kills about 170 people each year in the U.S., according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most cases involve the use of products like space heaters.Space heaters, which are not atypical in apartments, should be used responsibly, especially in small, confined rooms.  Despite their effectiveness, the danger involved when not monitoring the use of a space heater isn’t always considered as it should be.Preventive measures are available and necessary.  Smoke detectors may be more common, but carbon monoxide detectors are just as important — if not more.We should not ignore the hazards such simple things can cause. It’s up to everyone to learn the risks and do whatever possible to limit them.——Contact the Editorial Board at [email protected]