The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that on Saturday a non-resident worker (NRW) was diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning after having a shower.
According to the statement, a 31-year-old woman was showering in the Tong Tak Building in central district at 2 p.m. on Saturday and fainted 30 minutes later. The statement pointed out that her roommate saved her and rushed her to the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre. The statement pointed out that after the doctor diagnosed her with carbon monoxide poisoning, she was taken to the private Kiang Wu Hospital for treatment. The statement said that the woman was in stable condition, adding that the bureau suspect 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.
