Delgaz Grid, the distribution company of the German E.ON Group, is making a series of recommendations to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, after carbon monoxide claimed nine victims in the gas company’s area of activity in 2024.
According to a statement from Delgaz Grid sent to AGERPRES on Thursday, this year there have been 13 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, resulting in 26 victims and 9 deaths. The tragedies were caused by the use of the stove as a heating source, leaky connections or an improper exhaust system. Carbon monoxide poisoning manifests itself through nausea, dizziness and headaches and can become fatal during sleep.
The incidents took place between January and November 2024 in the counties of Alba, Sibiu, Iaşi, Timiş, Cluj, Mureş, Caraş-Severin, Bistrița-Năsăud and Hunedoara.
Most cases, namely 7 out of the 13 registered in the area of activity of Delgaz Grid, took place in the first four months of this year, corresponding to the cold season.
In this context, Delgaz Grid recommends following several rules: periodic checking of the exhaust gas exhaust system (in the block of flats, it must be checked whether there are ventilation ducts or grilles in the kitchen for exhausting exhaust gases to the outside and whether these gaps are not blocked – if there are problems, only authorized specialists should be called upon); periodic inspection of chimneys and flues at home, at least twice a year, once before the start of the cold season, and only by authorized persons (at the same time, the joints between heating appliances and exhaust chimneys, and the sealing gaskets on the fireplaces must be checked); the stove should not be used to heat the home – when cooking, the stove must be supervised, otherwise there is a risk that the flame will go out and gases will accumulate in the room; installation of carbon monoxide detectors in rooms where there are gas-powered appliances – they can help prevent serious incidents, as they emit sound signals and warn of the presence of carbon monoxide.
According to Delgaz Grid specialists, carbon monoxide has no color and odor, which makes it difficult to detect. Symptoms of poisoning depend on the concentration of carbon monoxide and the duration of exposure and are manifested by nausea, dizziness and headaches. Therefore, in the event of carbon monoxide poisoning, victims must be taken to fresh air, the rooms must be ventilated, and emergency medical services must be contacted.