The incident occurred in the afternoon on Mickiewicza Street. The 40-year-old man felt weak while he was in the bathroom. His 67-year-old mother called the emergency services, then fainted herself and was unable to open the door. The rescuers who arrived at the scene entered the apartment through a window. Both the mother and son were taken to hospital. The man quickly recovered and returned home. His mother is now feeling well, but remained in the internal medicine ward.
Measurements conducted by gas utility employees confirmed that the carbon monoxide concentration was high. A gas heater is installed in the bathroom, and a coal-fired stove is in the room. It is not yet known why carbon monoxide appeared in the apartment. The apartment owners must have the ventilation ducts and stoves inspected.
Carbon monoxide is harmful. It has no smell, so it cannot be detected by scent. It is released when there is not enough fresh air in a place where, for example, gas or coal is being burned. Therefore, it is important that heaters are in working order and that ventilation functions properly. Once carbon monoxide enters the blood, it prevents oxygen from being delivered throughout the body. This causes death. The first symptoms of poisoning are headache and drowsiness.
(KG report)