Warning over carbon monoxide poisoning after Hong Kong pair overcome by fumes from hookah
- Centre for Health Protection says victims, aged 23 and 21, were taken to United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong
- They told medics they lost consciousness after visiting place where people had smoked hookahs
Health authorities have warned the public of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning after a man and a woman fell unconscious where people were smoking hookahs.
The Centre for Health Protection on Monday night said the two victims, aged 23 and 21, were taken to United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong on Sunday.
They were in stable condition and later transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan before being discharged.
The pair told medics they lost consciousness after visiting a venue where people had smoked hookahs, a type of water-pipe used for burning a form of tobacco.
A preliminary investigation by the centre found that charcoal fuel was used for heating the tobacco and the premises had its door and windows shut, with the air conditioning turned on.
The centre reminded the public that carbon monoxide was a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas and a by-product from incomplete combustion of any carbon-based fuel. Fuel-burning appliances should be used properly and in a well-ventilated area, it said.