Tag Archives: oceania

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Urgent carbon monoxide poisoning warning

Authorities are warning families not to bring coal-burning devices indoors during winter after 17 people presented to hospital in NSW in one week with carbon monoxide poisoning.

All 17 – nine of whom were children – had been unable to detect rising levels of carbon monoxide within an enclosed space because of its distinct lack of smell or taste.

"Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is extremely toxic," said Dr Darren Roberts, Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre.

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"People may not know they are inhaling it until it's too late."

Most cases of carbon monoxide occur when charcoal is burnt inside an enclosed space at night for heat, often by bringing a barbeque indoors.

It often involves multiple members of a household and can lead to serious health consequences, particularly for children and the elderly.

READ MORE: Toddler vomiting blood dies after swallowing toilet cleaner capsule

A family of five were rushed to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning early this morning.

"It is vital that people never burn barbeque coals indoors or in enclosed spaces," Dr Roberts said.

"Barbeques and outdoor heaters should only be used outside, in a well-ventilated area. Otherwise, the results could be tragic."

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Prolonged exposure often sees people fall unconscious and permanent brain damage can occur.

READ MORE: Underground ravers poisoned by carbon monoxide in Norway

The NSW Poisons Information Centre is urging all residents that if they think someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide to call them on 13 11 26.

In an emergency concerned residents should call Triple Zero (000).

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Sydney man fined for leaving COVID-19 hotspot to 'watch the sunrise'

A man from a coronavirus hotspot in Sydney has been fined after telling police the reason he was speeding down a highway south of the city was to watch the sunrise.

The driver, from Liverpool, which is currently under strict stay-at-home orders, was pulled over on the M1 Motorway at Wollongong.

He was travelling at 107km/h in an 80 zone.

READ MORE: NSW records 239 new COVID-19 cases, new rules for high-risk LGAs

A man was fined by police this morning after leaving a Sydney COVID-19 hotspot to watch the sunrise on the NSW South Coast.

When he was stopped, NSW Police discovered he had breached the public health order and was driving down to the NSW South Coast to watch the sunrise.

He was handed a $494 speeding fine, and a $1000 fine for breaching the public health order and told to go home immediately.

Greater Sydney is currently subject to strict stay at home orders due to the current coronavirus outbreak.