Amsterdam fire brigade fears carbon monoxide poisoning: ‘Do not tape the ventilation’
Trying to save the energy costs of Amsterdammers in a safe way by sealing ventilation grilles. “Ventilation is very good for your health in any case, but if carbon monoxide is released in a completely sealed house, you have no chance,” says Bert Meijer of the Amsterdam-Amstelland fire brigade.
Meijer is the coordinator of the Fire Research Team at the Amsterdam-Amstelland fire brigade. He fears that the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning will increase if the high gas prices cause cracks and vents to be taped up. “You shouldn’t do that,” he explains. “You need ventilation in your home for your own health. In addition, oxygen is needed for complete combustion in appliances such as central heating boilers and geysers. If you are going to tape everything, there is a good chance that you can get carbon monoxide poisoning inside the home.”
Meijer thinks that Amsterdammers would be better off saving on the time they spend in the shower. Putting on an extra sweater is and the thermostat is lower. And finally, you can lower the temperature of the central heating boiler to, for example, 60 degrees. “This is not enough temperature to heat your living room or bedroom.”