Three local workers at a bakery were stricken with chlorine gas poisoning on Saturday, the Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday.
According to the statement, the three victims, a man and two women aged between 31 and 58, work at a bakery in San Hong Building on Rua da Alfândega.
Early Saturday morning, one of the victims poured two bottles of drain cleaner into the drain due to a blockage, after which, the three workers immediately smelt a pungent smell and developed headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and other discomfort, the statement said.
Neighbours called an ambulance and the three victims were taken to the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre for treatment, and the neighbours also called the Fire Services Bureau (CB) for help.
After the firemen arrived, they detected chlorine gas in the bakery. As the incident involved a workplace, the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) was notified for follow-up action.
According to the Health Bureau, exposure to low concentrations of chlorine can cause irritation of the nose, throat and eyes, and severe symptoms may occur when inhaling higher concentrations of chlorine, such as dyspnoea, cyanosis, heart failure, and even death due to respiratory paralysis.
The statement urged residents to ensure adequate ventilation when cleaning sewage channels and sewers, to immediately notify the Fire Services Bureau if someone may have gas poisoning, to evacuate the scene to prevent more people from being poisoned, and not to enter the scene without proper protective equipment for rescue or other activities.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
