The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that a 72-year-old man was diagnosed with carbon monoxide (CO1) poisoning on Monday after showering.
According to the statement, the local man was showering in his flat on Travessa do Lago in San Kio district late in the afternoon. The statement pointed out that he felt dizzy after showering for 15 minutes, and collapsed.
After being brought round by his family member, the statement said, an ambulance was called and the patient taken straight to the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre.
The statement pointed out that he was diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning and was hospitalised for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), adding that he was in a stable condition yesterday.
The statement underlined that the gas water heater is installed in the flat’s bathroom, but as there is only an extractor fan but no window nor flue pipe installed in the bathroom, the toxicity accumulated, causing the incident.
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 noted 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 anyone affected by carbon monoxide poisoning to stay calm, leave the room immediately and go to an open area, loosen their clothing and seek medical help promptly.
Image courtesy of Very Well Health/Theresa Chiechi
