Number of CO deaths already doubled this year: “Save the emergency number of the Poison Control Center, it could save your life” | Inland

“‘In 2019 29 people died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. This year has already doubled. I am concerned about that, especially now that I suspect that the energy crisis will still be felt,” said De Sutter. “Save the Poison Control Center emergency number in your phone, it could save your life.” The number is 070 245 245.

Deputy general director of the Poison Control Center Dominique Vandijck says that due to the heating costs that are going through the roof, many people just don’t open windows and doors when the heating is on. They will also try to cut costs “by reducing their consumption, using cheaper fuels, skipping the necessary maintenance and not replacing malfunctioning appliances or opting for a – less safe – second-hand device, which encourages CO exposure. “.

De Sutter warns: “If you are inside and feel a headache, nausea and vertigo, air out the house and call the Poison Control Center. The CO deaths often lose consciousness during sleep. I am here at the Poison Control Center to make noise to which is ‘a silent death’.”

The Deputy Prime Minister thinks it is good news that more and more people know the way to the Poison Control Center. “At the end of October, the telephone rang almost 52,000 times at the Poison Control Center. That is at least 1,000 more calls compared to the same period in previous years.”

These are calls that aren’t just about carbon monoxide. According to the Poison Control Center, drugs are most often involved. But household products, plants, mushrooms and the like are also potential culprits for which calls are made,” says Dominique Vandijck.