"Silent killer": The Ministry of Health advises Ukrainians on how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
Kyiv • UNN
The Ministry of Health warns of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from heating appliances, If you suspect, turn off non-electric appliances, ventilate the room and seek medical attention.
The Ministry of Health reminds that one should use heating devices responsibly, keeping in mind the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. This was reported by UNN with reference to the press service of the Ministry.
Details
The Ministry reminded that in conditions of lack of oxygen and in case of incomplete combustion of fuel, carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon monoxide is formed in heating devices.
The biggest danger is that carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. That is why it is sometimes called the "silent killer". It is impossible to detect without special detectors, but it can be deadly and affects the human body even in small concentrations.
The degree of poisoning and the severity of symptoms depend on the volume and time during which a person inhales carbon monoxide. However, a reaction to carbon monoxide poisoning can develop within a very short period of time (even a few minutes). People who are sleeping or intoxicated can get fatal CO poisoning even before symptoms appear
When should you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning?
If you begin to experience headaches, nausea, weakness, fatigue, rapid breathing, dizziness, and confusion while heating a room with any non-electric appliance, you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. Severe oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) due to such poisoning can lead to irreversible damage to the brain or heart.
What to do in case of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning?
First of all, you should turn off all appliances, except for electric ones, open windows to let fresh air into the room and call the gas emergency service by calling 104.
If you or your loved ones show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, also call the emergency medical service by calling 103, leave the room yourself or take the affected person out into the fresh air, put a pillow under his or her head, and unbutton his or her collar and belt.
The best treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is prolonged inhalation of oxygen. But this therapy is carried out in a medical facility.
Which devices can release carbon monoxide during operation?
Carbon monoxide is formed during the combustion of carbon compounds. It can accumulate in rooms with faulty appliances or insufficient ventilation. It is released during operation:
- internal combustion engines of cars and ships,
- wood/gas/coal stoves,
- gas water heaters,
- portable gasoline generators,
- fireplaces,
- charcoal grills,
- kerosene heaters, etc.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, follow these rules:
Do not leave gas appliances on unattended.
Only use appliances that are designed for this purpose (e.g., do not use a gas stove to heat a room).
Regularly check the gas appliances, ventilation ducts and chimneys for proper functioning.
In a home with stove heating, always open the stove or chimney damper.
Do not install an electric range hood and a gas range in the same room.
Ventilate the room with gas appliances frequently.
Install a carbon monoxide detector, a device that detects the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air.
Do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace unless it is connected to a ventilation system.
In addition, do not use a generator or any gasoline-powered engine within 6 meters of windows, doors, or vents. Use an extension cord of the proper length to keep the generator at a safe distance.
SEE ALSO: Six people, including a child, die in Ukraine due to faulty heating
