Twelve die, 277 sick from gas poisoning
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-02-16 19:06

Twelve people have died and 277 others have fallen sick in northeast China from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a combination of burning coal and bad weather, state media said.

A coal deliverer hops onto his tricycle after pushing the heavy load of coal brickettes across an intersection, in Beijing, in October 2004. Twelve people have died and 277 others have fallen sick in northeast China from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a combination of burning coal and bad weather. [AFP]

Experts attributed the deaths and illnesses to unusually low atmospheric pressure and increased rain and humidity, which trapped carbon monoxide from burning coal close to the ground, the China Broadcasting Station reported.

Seven of the dead were found in their homes, prompting local officials to send police to knock on doors in the region to check on residents.

Local authorities in the affected areas in Jilin province have stepped up publicity on how to treat carbon monoxide poisoning and urged locals to extinguish coal heaters and coal burners before they go to sleep, the report said.

China is the world's largest consumer of coal, which is used widely in rural areas for cooking and heating.