The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that a family of was three diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning after one of them used a gas water heater at home.
According to the statement, the victims, whose genders were not revealed, aged between 33 and 52, suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning after one of them used the gas water heater between 3 and 4 a.m. yesterday. The statement noted that the first victim woke up at 8 a.m. and passed out for two minutes, adding that after gaining consciousness, he or she asked the other two to call an ambulance. The statement pointed out that the other two family members also felt dizzy and nauseous, adding that they all went to the private Kiang Wu Hospital where they were diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning.
The statement underlined that they are all in a stable condition and the bureau suspects that the incident 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 Very Well Health Theresa Chiechi
