This morning, from the Hauts-de-France to the Ardennes, the temperatures are often between -5 and -10°C and this cold wave will settle permanently on the northern part of the country that Météo-France has placed under extreme cold vigilance. So much so that, like every winter, Public Health France calls on everyone to be extremely vigilant with regard to the use of heating appliances, generators or radiant panels, especially since during this period of confinement, we let’s spend even more time indoors.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: how to prevent?
Each year, carbon monoxide is responsible for around 4,000 poisonings and a hundred deaths in France because it is a colorless and odorless gas. Its presence is the result of incomplete combustion, regardless of the fuel used: wood, butane, coal, gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas, petroleum, propane. It spreads very quickly in the environment and can be fatal in less than an hour by causing asphyxiation of blood cells.
“Devices using these fuels for the production of heat or light are all likely, if their operating conditions are not ideal, to produce carbon monoxide (CO)” emphasizes Public Health France. To prevent the risk of poisoning:
- Never install a generating set in an enclosed place (house, basement, garage, etc.): it must be placed outside buildings.
- Never continuously use a combustion heater.
- In places of worship: Only operate gas-fired radiant panels when the premises are occupied.
- Never use appliances not intended for this purpose (braziers, camp stoves, ovens, barbecues, etc.) to heat yourself.
- Never block the ventilation grilles and ventilate your home for at least 10 minutes every day, even in very cold weather.
- It is essential to place generating sets outside buildings.
What are the symptoms of poisoning?
Headaches, nausea, vomiting are symptoms that should alert you as soon as possible. If these symptoms are shared by several people who were in the same room, it is likely carbon monoxide poisoning.Severe poisoning can lead to coma and death, sometimes within minutes. We must therefore act very quickly.
What to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning?
If poisoning is suspected:
- Ventilate immediately
- Turn off fuel-burning appliances if possible
- Evacuate the premises and call for help by dialing 15, 18 or 112 (and 114 for the hearing impaired).
Read also :
- Cold: is it good or bad for the body?
- 5 steps to protect your skin from the cold
- Cold feet: how to warm them
- How to keep warm when it’s cold
