The incident occurred on Monday, 21 December, in one of the apartments on Grunwaldzka Street in Bolesławiec. Carbon monoxide was probably leaking from gas heaters. Two people—a 53-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man—were taken to hospital.
Update: 2009-12-21 10:55
Although national media report almost daily on further cases of poisoning by deadly carbon monoxide, many people still downplay the danger. “Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. That is why it is called the silent killer,” says Robert Brzeziński, spokesperson for the Bolesławiec County State Fire Service headquarters.
The initial symptoms of poisoning include headache and dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness and an increased heart rate. The gas prevents oxygen from reaching the body, causing death by suffocation (see the report: Firefighters Warn Against Deadly Carbon Monoxide).
To avoid poisoning, heating appliances and chimney flues must be kept in good working order, apartments should be ventilated and ventilation grilles must not be blocked. If we suspect that our gas appliances are faulty, we should 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 from KPP Bolesławiec/KP PSP Bolesławiec/ii)