The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that three members of a local family – two women and a man aged 24 to 81 living in a building in the Seac Pai Van public housing estate – would remain under observation at the public Conde de Sao Januario Hospital Centre overnight for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
The SSM statement said that trio were in a stable condition after medical treatment but needed to stay in hospital for observation.
According to the statement, the accident took place on Monday evening when two of the victims felt dizzy after having a shower, while the third victim in the bedroom was found unconscious.
The statement said that one of the victims then called an ambulance and the three were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
The statement pointed out that the three were diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning.
The statement pointed out that the gas heater is installed in the flat’s kitchen, which is also connected to the bathroom, and that as there is no extractor fan in the bathroom, the toxicity accumulated and caused the incident.
The statement reminded residents that when suffering carbon monoxide poisoning, one suffers from dizziness, vomiting and even 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 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.
Image courtesy of US CDC
