A family of six was hospitalised in Brussels on Wednesday morning due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, according to the capital's fire brigade. Their lives are not in danger.
The family had had a barbecue in their home on Tuesday evening, and the embers smouldered throughout the night, releasing CO. Emergency services were called at around 08:00 on Wednesday to Rue d'Ophem, as all six members of the family were showing symptoms of poisoning.
Firefighters have issued several recommendations to prevent CO poisoning. These include proper installation of water heaters by a professional technician, annual maintenance checks on all appliances, thorough inspection of combustion gas evacuation, natural ventilation of rooms, and use of certified CO detectors.
Any symptoms of CO poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and sudden fatigue, should prompt an immediate call to emergency services at 112. People should open windows for ventilation and evacuate the premises if possible in the meantime.
Firefighters emphasised that, due to safety reasons, barbecues or any other open-flame devices should always be used outdoors.
