44 Poisoned, 2 Dead: New Rules Force Gas Heaters to Include CO Detectors

New regulations are being drafted to address a worrying rise in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning cases, with new rules mandating that the sale of gas water heaters must be accompanied by a CO detector. This comes as authorities respond to a surge in poisonings, with 44 cases already recorded this year in Mauritius, including two fatalities.

The new measures, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, and the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services, aim to curb the growing number of incidents.

Five people are currently hospitalised with CO poisoning, and data shows that adolescents and young adults are the most affected.

Last year, there were 28 reported cases, a significant increase from the 44 cases between June and 18 August of this year alone.

The new legislation will require CO detectors to be sold with gas water heaters. According to Station Fire Officer Giovanni Rezana from the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services, the new rules are essential to prevent further tragedies.

Speaking on the show “Allô docteur,” he urged families who already own a gas water heater to install a detector immediately without waiting for the new regulations to come into force.

Dr Krishna Beedassy, Regional Public Health Superintendent at the Ministry of Health, said that the new regulations will adhere to international standards to eliminate all risks of poisoning.

He added that the new rules would also require gas water heaters to be installed in a suitable location, preferably outside, to minimise the risk of leaks.

In addition to the new regulations, the Ministry of Health is launching a public awareness campaign to inform the public, especially young people, children, and the elderly, about the risks and symptoms of CO poisoning.

In the meantime, the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services is encouraging the public to use their gas water heaters safely by ensuring proper ventilation, using professional installers, and getting the heaters serviced annually. They stress that installing a CO detector is the most effective preventative measure.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes CO poisoning as a “silent killer” because the gas is colourless and odourless.

The Global Disease Burden report for 2021 estimates that around 29,000 people die from CO poisoning annually worldwide.

Source: Defi Media