The chareidi community suffers 90% of all cases of carbon
monoxide poisoning from home Junkers-type heating systems,
according to Laniado School of Nursing Director Penina
Binkowitz. The three "leading" neighborhoods are Har Nof,
Ramat Shlomo and Ezras Torah, because of the many such
systems in use there. December, January and February are the
peak months.
The most important step is to make sure that the unit is well
ventilated. Experts advise leaving at least two windows open.
After that it is important to ensure that the chimney is
installed properly, venting to the outside -- not under a
roof and not next to a window. It must also be checked
regularly to ensure that it is open. In one case rescue
workers found that a chimney was full of rain water. In
another case in which nine family members were hospitalized,
there was a bird's nest in the chimney. Experts recommend
putting a screen around the opening of the chimney to ensure
that birds cannot go in, but it still must be inspected from
time to time.
A third important step is installation of a carbon monoxide
(CO) detector. The gas companies offer them at reduced
prices, and it is an investment that is well worth it. In
some countries installing such a detector is a legal
requirement.
The units should also be properly maintained and inspected by
a knowledgeable service person at least once a year.
