A man in his forties was hospitalised on Sunday evening in the Brussels municipality of Ixelles after suffering carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, reported the Brussels Fire Brigade.
Emergency services were called to a residence on Kerckx Street, Ixelles, around 22:50 as the individual had lost consciousness.
"By the time we arrived, the victim had regained consciousness, but there were clear signs of CO poisoning," said fire brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw. "The man was taken to the hospital for treatment but was not in life-threatening condition."
The cause of the poisoning was quickly identified. The man had attempted to heat both his bathroom and bathwater using coal in a metal container.
The fire brigade spokesperson stressed that using barbecues, fire pits, and similar devices indoors is extremely dangerous.
"Even additional heating devices not connected to a flue should be used sparingly and never in a bedroom," he added.
The fire brigade provided four tips to prevent CO poisoning:
- Have a certified technician install compliant devices and conduct annual maintenance and mandatory inspections.
- Check the exhaust of combustion gases and ensure natural ventilation with a supply of fresh air
- Install approved CO detectors.
- Respond to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and sudden fatigue without endangering yourself. Open windows, evacuate the premises, and call emergency services on 112.
