Community-Based Carbon Monoxide Prevention Campaign in Mar del Plata

Every winter, Weatherizers Without Borders (WWB) in collaboration with FOVISEE Foundation, carry out a carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning prevention campaign to protect families living in vulnerable housing conditions in informal settlements. Last winter we implemented the campaign in the city of Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Alongside our technical work on home diagnostics and sustainable housing improvement, we lead community-based actions that combine technical guidance, public education, and neighborhood participation to address an invisible yet life-threatening risk that affects many households every year.

Our Approach

This year’s campaign included a series of coordinated actions across the San Jacinto neighborhood and surrounding areas:

• Installation of CO alarms in at-risk homes, as part of our Healthy Homes initiative.
• Educational workshops in community centers and schools to raise awareness about carbon monoxide risks and prevention strategies.
• Distribution of informative materials and guides, created by our team, to help families recognize symptoms and adopt safe heating practices.
• Training sessions for local leaders and volunteers, building community capacity for prevention and response.

Community Engagement

Our CIVIS Mar del Plata (Sustainable Housing Information Center, in English) served as a meeting point for these activities.

There, families received free technical and social support, learned about safe home heating, and accessed tools to improve the safety and efficiency of their homes.

Through this campaign, we combined science, data, and community participation to promote both awareness and practical action in households across the city.

Looking Ahead

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is part of our broader mission to ensure safer, healthier, and more resilient homes for all.

Together with Citi Foundation, MTE Mar del Plata, and our community partners, we will continue expanding this prevention network, training local leaders and installing more alarms in vulnerable homes.

At Weatherizers Without Borders, we remain committed to working alongside communities to build healthier homes, and healthier futures.