In view of the recent return of cold weather, carbon monoxide (CO1) poisoning is more likely to occur when residents use gas appliances, so the Health Bureau (SSM) urged the public to pay close attention to the proper use of them, according to an SSM statement yesterday.
Macau’s observatory has hoisted the Yellow cold weather alert, indicating a maximum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius or below in the next few days.
The statement noted that carbon monoxide poisoning in Macau often occurs during cold weather, when residents may keep doors and windows closed and use gas appliances without adequate ventilation, adding that it occurs mainly in bathrooms due to the accumulation of carbon monoxide caused by the incomplete installation of gas water heater exhaust pipes and insufficient ventilation.
The statement underlined that any gas appliance should only be used under good ventilation, as otherwise it is easy to suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide, which is colourless, tasteless and odourless, is the product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances. After inhalation, it will combine with the body’s haemoglobin, which will lose its ability to carry oxygen, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the statement, which added that those who suffer carbon monoxide poisoning may develop mild symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, and could even be unresponsive, go into shock, deep coma, incontinence, cerebral oedema, or even death if the condition is severe.
In order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the bureau urged the public to ensure that the exhaust pipe of their gas water heater is connected to outdoors, and keep effective indoor ventilation, as well as to correctly select, install and use gas water heaters. Consumers are advised not to purchase the flueless model for home use.
The bureau also urged the public not to use open fires such as when using gas stoves, paraffin stoves, charcoal or wood for cooking, barbecuing or heating in any unventilated space, and not to run their vehicles, generators and other fuel equipment in insufficiently ventilated spaces such as car parks and car repair workshops for a long time.
Those who believe that they are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning should stay calm, leave the place immediately, go to an open area, loosen their clothing and seek medical care promptly, the statement underlined.
Further details of the guidelines on “Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning” can be found on the bureau’s website in Chinese: http://www.ssm.gov.mo/portal/InjureRegPrevent/ch/main.aspx.
Image courtesy of Seattle Fire Department
