Carbon monoxide poisoning cases increase in Azerbaijan
By Nigar Orujova
The number of cases of poisoning with carbon monoxide, a dangerous toxic gas, has recently increased in Azerbaijan.
"Most of the carbon monoxide poisoning takes place at bathhouses in Azerbaijan," Azer Magsudov, head of toxicology at the Central Clinical Hospital, said on Monday.
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after enough inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and initially non-irritating, and is very difficult to be detected.
Symptoms of mild acute poisoning include lightheadedness, confusion, headaches, vertigo, and flu-like effects; larger exposures can lead to significant toxicity of the central nervous system and heart, and even death.
450 people have been hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosis this year, Magsudov said. Six people were hospitalized with this diagnosis on Monday and seven on Sunday.
Most of such cases occur in the periods January to March and November to December.
According to Magsudov, the number of such poisoning cases increased this year in comparison with last year, with 356 people hospitalized in 2011.
According to gas supplier Azerigaz, carbon monoxide poisoning in bathhouses is explained by the lack of special smoke stacks.
However, the rising number of poisoning cases may be linked to the low quality of gas, Magsudov believes.
According to Magsudov, poisoning occurs in the bathing house as well as a result of use of domestically or foreign-made heating devices. Moreover, mostly the cases occur in those houses which are not connected to the centralized heating system. Carbon dioxide should be output by a ventilation system, which is not cleaned in most of the residential buildings.
According to Azerigaz, poisoning cases often occur due to the use of old devices and dirty smoke stacks. Azerigaz carries out technical check-up of gas supply equipment in Baku and regions of the country.
In case of using nonstandard, uncertified water heating equipment, illegal gas line connections and illegal counter operations, gas supply to those users is suspended individually.
To avoid accidents, the customer should strictly follow safety rules and be careful with gas. Bathrooms' cubic content should be no less than 7.5 cubic meters, and height no less than 2.5 meters. Moreover, bathrooms must have a ventilation system, a smoke stack and a small window.