It's cold warning from the Ministry of Health on the prevention of risk of poisoning from carbon monoxide

Given the upsurge in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning (CO), the Ministry of Health pointed out in a statement the main tips to be followed for the prevention of such accidents.
Several accidents have occurred in churches, especially during cultural events that resulted in abnormally prolonged heating of buildings by equipment type gas radiant panels, "said the ministry, which believes that" the organizers should have in such circumstances CO detectors ".

Poisoning by carbon monoxide - "insidious", since this gas is colorless and odorless, can occur in two different forms, depending on the amount of gas present in the room. The low toxicity is characterized by headache, nausea, confusion and fatigue that do not necessarily state immediately. Acute poisoning, which can leave disabling sequelae (chronic headaches, neurological disorders), leads in turn dizziness, fainting, muscle impairment, behavioral disorders, coma and even death.

The majority of accidents are "related to the use of a defective heater or hot water, regardless of the fuel used (gas, oil, wood ...)," prevention is based on respect a few simple precautions:

- Appliances and chimneys should be serviced regularly by a qualified professional;
- The ventilation must be maintained and left free and clear, even in cold weather;
- Generators must be installed outdoors and never in enclosed spaces;
- The auxiliary heating devices (such as kerosene stoves) must be installed only in ventilated areas and should not be used continuously.

"The devices fortune (braseros. ..) pose a very rapidly fatal risk to their users", said the ministry, which advocates "do not overheat the housing and ensure proper ventilation."

Leading cause of accidental death by toxic in France, the carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible each year for nearly 6,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths.