The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that a married couple suffered carbon monoxide poisoning at home.
According to the statement, the couple, both local residents aged 35 and 34, live in Tai Fun San Chuen estate in Areia Preta. The statement noted that at 1 a.m. yesterday the male had a five-minute shower, and 30 minutes later he felt dizzy. The statement pointed out that he lost consciousness for 30 seconds then came to, adding that soon after the wife called the police for help and both were rushed to the public Conde S. Januário Hospital Centre.
The statement noted that the man’s carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb or HbCO) level was 35 percent. The woman also felt unwell, the statement pointed out, and her carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb or HbCO) level was 9.1 percent. The statement underlined that both were diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. The statement said they were both in stable condition.
According to the statement, the couple’s kitchen has a gas heater but it does not have any ventilation other than the window. The statement said that the bureau suspected that the case was caused by poor ventilation.
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 room is ventilated, choosing quality gas appliances and using them properly, and installing carbon monoxide alarms in rooms that have gas appliances. The statement urged those affected by carbon monoxide poisoning to stay calm, leave the room immediately and go to an open area, loosen one’s 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.
Image courtesy of Michigan Auto Law
