Since October in Gard, 23 people have been hospitalized, and two have died, following poisoning.
With the cold of winter, we are tempted to turn the heating on higher. However, there is a risk depending on your heating system. Carbon monoxide (CO) causes serious health consequences, sometimes leading to death. Since October, 23 people have been poisoned, including one in the heart of Alès in December. Among them, there were 16 hospitalizations and two deaths.
There are three things to know about carbon monoxide: this gas cannot be seen or felt, but is nevertheless very dangerous for your health. “At home, as soon as you feel dizzy, have a headache or want to vomit, you call for help.“, insists Commander Nicolas Ventosa, commander of the Alès fire brigade.
Ministry of the Interior
What is carbon monoxide? How is it formed?
Carbon monoxide is a gas formed by incomplete combustion (wood, butane, coal, gasoline, fuel oil, gas and oil). A heating installation based on these fuels can create CO if the device is poorly maintained or faulty. An electrical installation does not produce monoxide. This gas is produced during an operating fault. Among these installations, we are talking about a stove, boiler and water heater, auxiliary heating (non-electric), stove or fireplace.
Specialized ventilation and detectors
“Ventilation is essential“, explains Commander Ventosa. Never obstruct the ventilation grilles and regularly ventilate your home, even in the middle of winter, is necessary. “At least 10 minutes a day, as during the Covid period“, explains the firefighter. Auxiliary heaters, braziers and transportable generators must never be used in enclosed spaces.
Just like smoke detectors, there are carbon monoxide detectors. It is possible to find devices that do both, but it is not systematic. In terms of the law, “there is no obligation for the resident to install this type of device“, explains the commander. But since we are talking about a gas that is undetectable by the human nose, the firefighter strongly advises obtaining one, available in DIY stores or specialized in home improvement.
Midi Libre – STEPHANE BARBIER
“Maintenance is legally obligatory“, explains Cédric Giraud, heating engineer at Comptoir Ménager Alésien (CMA). A heating installation company is “guarantor of maintenance“but it’s good”the user of the device, whether tenant or owner“, who must ensure maintenance by calling professionals. “If the individual does not contact us, we cannot intervene. Some call us two or three years later. It's dangerous.“
