Family of Five Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Leak from Charcoal Grill
A family in Bottrop faced a dangerous situation on Sunday evening when their living quarters filled with high concentrations of carbon monoxide, a gas that can be deadly. The fire department responded to the emergency in the Fuhlenbrock district around 21:00.
Carbon monoxide warning devices alerted the rescue service to the hazardous levels of the gas, which is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Five family members, including three children aged 11 to 16, were found to have elevated CO levels in their blood. They experienced symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Two residents were taken to a clinic in Gelsenkirchen, while three others were transported to a Bottrop clinic for further examination.
The cause of the high CO concentration was traced back to the improper use of a charcoal grill. The fire department swiftly ventilated the area until no CO was detected. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with carbon monoxide. On average, around 3,500 patients with carbon monoxide poisoning are treated annually in German hospitals, especially during the heating season. Typical causes of CO leakage include defective or improperly operated gas boilers, fireplaces, heaters, or operating charcoal grills indoors.
The Bottrop rescue service urges caution when using heating sources. If you suspect CO poisoning, ventilate immediately, leave the building, and call the emergency number 112. Proper use and maintenance of heating appliances can prevent such dangerous situations.
