Public should take precautionary measures against carbon monoxide poisoning
Following a notification fromYan ChaiHospital (YCH) on a cluster of carbon monoxide poisoning, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Healthand the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD)today (November24) appealed to members of the public to take precautionary measures against carbon monoxide poisoning.
The cluster involved two malesand one female, aged between13 and 56,who are family members livingtogether.The 56-year-oldmale was found unconsciousafterhavingshoweryesterday (November 23). He was immediately sent to YCH and was later transferred toPamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment.The other twopersons, whowere exposedto carbon monoxide,werealsosent to YCH forexamination.They are in stable condition.Two of thepatientshavebeen discharged.
A preliminary investigation revealed thatall of themwere diagnosedwithcarbon monoxidepoisoning.When the 56-year-old patient took the shower,all the windowsinthe flat were closedandthe exhaust fan was not turned on.
A site investigation by the EMSD discovered that the subject gas water heater is of a flueless type and should not be used in bathrooms. The model concerned has not been approved by the EMSD and did not bear a "GU" mark. It is preliminarily suspected that the exhaust flue gas generated by the gas water heater without flue was discharged into the bathroom, coupled with poor ventilation, carbon monoxide accumulated due to insufficient oxygen for combustion and thus led to the carbon monoxide poisoning. The EMSD has seized the subject gas water heaterand will investigate whether any person has contravenedthe Gas Safety Ordinance.
The CHP said that carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas which is a by-product from incomplete combustion of any fuel which contains carbon, such as wood, natural gas and gasoline.
Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death.
The CHP reminded members of the public that a gas water heater should be used in a well-ventilated area. They should seek medical attention immediately if suspected of developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The EMSD also reminds members of the public of the following:
Occupants should buy and use gas water heater which has been approved by the EMSD and bears a "GU" mark;
All installations, replacements or repair work on gas water heaters must be carried out by a registered gas installer employed by a registered gas contractor;
Gas appliances including gas water heaters and gas cookers should be used in well-ventilated areas, helped by switching on extraction fans and not closing all windows and doors; and
Occupants should arrange regular safety inspection of gas water heater every 18 months by a registered gas contractor. If the condition of the gas water heater is in doubt, please stop using it immediately and contact the registered gas supply company.
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $2.3 million at airport
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 23) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 10 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $2.3 million.
Two female passengers, aged 38 and 44, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 10kg of suspected cannabis buds inside their check-in suitcases. They were subsequently arrested.
The two arrested persons have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (November 25).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $2.3 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
