Winter is still with us, and evenings will continue to be
cold for some time to come. Bikur Cholim Hospital would like
to remind all readers to be aware of often fatal carbon
monoxide (CO) poisoning. All heaters using gas, kerosene or
coal (including Junkers sytems in newer housing) should be
checked to make sure that they are fire and poison safe.
This winter, Bikur Cholim has already treated 3 people for CO
poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas produced by
the incomplete combustion of carbon. If no windows are opened
while this substance is leaking from a heater, severe brain
damage or death can easily occur within a short time. One
tenth of one percent CO in a room (or car) can be fatal.
Bikur Cholim's health service advises to ignite and
extinguish (portable) heaters outside. If this is not
possible, make sure to let the children wait in a different
room until the area is thoroughly aired.
Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are: dizziness,
headache and ringing in the ears. When the poisoning gets
worse, the victim can feel general weakness and nausea. In
the later stage, one loses consciousness, experiences
convulsions and heart problems. If more than one person in
the house complains about these symptoms, windows should be
opened immediately and victims brought to an emergency
station.
Do not forget to check on seemingly `sleeping' children in
the house. Sometimes parents come with one child, leaving the
other victims of CO poisoning `sleeping' in the house. If
there is any suspicion of gas poisoning, all children, adults
and especially the elderly, should be fully wakened to make
sure they are not affected.
Bikur Cholim Hospital wishes all Jerusalemites [the remainder
of] a healthy, happy and wet winter.
