A Brussels family of four was hospitalised on Sunday morning due to carbon monoxide poisoning at their home in Schaerbeek, confirmed Brussels Fire Brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw.
The family, including two children, succumbed to the poisoning at around 08:45. When the ambulance arrived, the youngest child, only four years old, had already fainted twice, said Derieuw.
As soon as paramedics entered the house on Rue Knapen, the carbon monoxide detector was activated. Responding swiftly, they promptly aired the house out by opening windows and called for additional medical support.
Derieuw added that the entire family was evacuated and taken directly to hospital. In all, one rapid response unit and four ambulances were at the scene. Thankfully, no one's life is currently at risk amongst the family.
Further investigations uncovered the source of the carbon monoxide – a faulty water heater in the bathroom, which was causing combustion gases not to be vented correctly. Additionally, the room was lacking an adequate fresh air supply.
Related News
- Gas stoves much more harmful to health than electric ones, study shows
- Brussels elderly person hospitalised after using barbecue indoors
The fire brigade notes an annual spike in carbon monoxide poisoning cases during winter. This invisible, odourless and toxic gas is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels such as gas, coal, petrol or wood, often resulting from faulty water heaters or individual heating systems. However, precautionary measures can help prevent these incidents.
Derieuw emphasised the need for annual inspections of heating systems and chimneys, ensuring fresh air supply in homes, and installing carbon monoxide detectors in each room.
