The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that two girls were diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning after taking a shower on Tuesday night.
According to the statement, two girls, both aged 11, living in a flat at Man Fung building in Areia Preta felt dizzy and numb after showering. The two were taken to Kiang Wu Hospital by their parents and were both diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning.
The statement noted that they were both in stable condition, and were hospitalised. The statement said after a preliminary investigation, the bureau deduced that the gas water heater installed in the flat, was not connected to an exhaust pipe, adding that there was no window and the exhaust fan vented into the living room. The statement said that the bureau suspects that the case was caused by toxic particles accumulation.
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 has good ventilation 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.
