MANILA – The Department of Health cautioned the public against the harmful effects of using generator sets inside homes or in enclosed spaces during power outages.
In an advisory on Saturday, DOH said using them during power outages may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The DOH warning was issued in the wake of the onslaught of typhoons that caused infrastructure damages and left many provinces and cities without electricity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), portable backup generators normally used during brownouts produce the poison gas carbon monoxide.
Carbon dioxide is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning.
CDC said it has killed hundreds of people every year and caused illness to thousands.
CDC said when electric power goes out, generator sets must be placed outside or in the open.
CDC added that if generator sets are needed, it should be placed more than 20 feet away from homes, doors, and windows.
The DOH advisory advised that if an individual experiences headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion and/or vomiting when using generator sets, they should be immediately brought to the nearest health facility in their area.
Those who need assistance or further information may contact the NCR poison control center hotlines at phone numbers (02) 921-1212, (02) 928-0611 Loc. 707, (02) 855-8400 Loc. 113, and 0923-271-1183 or the UP National Poison Management and Control Center at (02) 8-524-1078 (Hotline), 0966-718-9904 (Globe), and 0922-896-1541 (Sun).