Although national media report almost daily on further cases of poisoning by deadly carbon monoxide, many people still underestimate the danger. Over the past dozen or so days, carbon monoxide has taken a tragic toll across Poland. Several poisonings have also occurred in Bolesławiec. Fortunately, no one has died.
Residential buildings in the area of Marcinkowskiego Street are becoming a black spot on the city map. Over the past week, carbon monoxide leaked there four times from faulty installations and appliances. First, two children were hospitalized, followed by an adult woman and a child—all on suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning. A police investigation into the matter is under way.
One might ask: who is to blame? The residents, or perhaps the building managers who fail to carry out periodic inspections of gas appliances and the technical condition of flue and ventilation ducts?
We warn once again: carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. We cannot smell it. The initial symptoms of poisoning include headache and dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and an increased heart rate. The gas blocks the supply of oxygen to the body, causing death by suffocation.
Take care to keep heating appliances and chimney flues in good working order. Ventilate your homes. Do not block ventilation grilles. If we suspect that our gas appliances are faulty, report it to the building manager or call the appropriate services—chimney sweeps or the gas emergency service.
Our lives and the lives of our loved ones depend on it.
(information ii)