A 44-year-old non-resident worker (NRW) suffered carbon monoxide poisoning at home in Taipa, the Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday.
The statement noted that he is a male NRW living at Fu Hou Hoi Keng estate.
According to the statement, the man was cooking in his flat at 5:30 a.m. yesterday, but then he felt dizzy and fatigued 30 minutes later. The statement pointed out that his symptoms did not improve even after having a rest, so his roommate took him to the private Kiang Wu Hospital for treatment. The statement added that the roommate did not develop similar symptoms.
After checking his carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level, he was diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning, the statement said, adding that after Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) he was in a stable condition.
According to the statement, the Health Bureau suspects that the gas stove was the cause of the problem. The statement added that the victim’s kitchen was poorly ventilated and that carbon monoxide had collected in the room. Although there is a window in the kitchen, it had only been slightly open when he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, the statement noted.
The statement said that the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, vomiting and fainting. It may cause death if the victim is suffering severe poisoning. The bureau underlined that when using gas appliances, one must ensure that the area is always well ventilated.
