A Health Bureau (SSM) statement said yesterday that a dessert and fruit shop employee was diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning after using a gas oven for hours.
According to the statement, a 34-year-old local worker arrived at work at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The statement said that when he started working, his co-workers had already turned on the oven but had not turned on the air ventilation system. The statement noted that around 10 a.m., the baker started to feel dizzy, nauseous and later broke out in cold sweats.
The statement said that around 12:30 p.m. the baker went to the public Conde de S. Januário Hospital Centre emergency department and after being tested his carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb or HbCO) level was 24.2 percent, after which he was diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. The statement stressed that he went home after his condition had stabilised. The statement noted that three of his co-workers also showed carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms but were able to recover without seeing a doctor.
The statement underlined that according to a preliminary investigation the poisoning was caused by poor ventilation, adding that the bureau has meanwhile contacted related entities to follow up on the matter.
The statement reminded residents that when suffering carbon monoxide poisoning, one experiences dizziness, vomiting and fainting, a condition that is potentially fatal. The bureau stressed that when using gas appliances, one must ensure that the area is well ventilated as otherwise carbon monoxide could collect.
The statement said that there are ways to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, such as ensuring that the enclosed area is well ventilated, choosing quality gas appliances and using them properly, and installing carbon monoxide alarms in areas that have gas appliances. The statement urged those affected by carbon monoxide poisoning to stay calm, leave the affected area immediately and go to an open area, loosen clothing and seek medical help promptly.
For more information on how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, check out http://www.ssm.gov.mo/portal/InjureRegPrevent/ch/main.aspx.
This was the second case of carbon monoxide poisoning that occurred at a local bakery within a month.
