At the weekend, 14 members of a family from the Horn district were admitted to hospitals in Lower Austria with smoke poisoning. The state police headquarters in St. Pölten reported on Monday that there were victims between the ages of five and 82.
It was an emergency The grill came. “Christophorus 2” and several ambulances responded.
When officers from the Geras police station arrived at a residential building in Drosendorf-Zisserdorf on Saturday afternoon, a 55-year-old said that he had been grilling in the garage and that the family had celebrated in the adjacent parlor.
“Always ventilated”
He repeatedly opened the garage door for ventilation and all the windows were tilted. In addition, the door to the garden was opened very often.
After the man’s mother became sick, almost all family members complained of dizziness shortly afterwards. The rescue service was then alerted, the police said.
The victims were transported to the state hospitals in Horn, Hollabrunn, Zwettl and Waidhofen an der Thaya as well as to the Krems University Hospital.
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Sarah Henderson husband
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Henderson, Public Health Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Henderson. We recently learned about a concerning incident where 14 members of a family were hospitalized in Austria due to smoke poisoning from grilling indoors. Given the dangers of smoke exposure, what immediate health risks do individuals face in situations like this?
**Dr. Henderson:** Thank you for having me. Situations like this highlight the risks of inhaling smoke, particularly from charcoal or gas grills used indoors. These types of smoke can contain harmful chemicals, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or respiratory distress. It’s alarming that the family had members ranging from five to 82 years old, as children and older adults are especially vulnerable to the effects of smoke inhalation.
**Editor:** You mentioned the vulnerability of different age groups. How does secondhand smoke differ in its effects on children compared to adults?
**Dr. Henderson:** That’s an important point. Children are still developing, and their lungs are more sensitive to harmful substances. Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory infections, asthma, and even long-term developmental problems. Studies suggest that secondhand smoke contributes to over 41,000 deaths per year in the United States alone, and many of those are in children. This incident may not have involved traditional secondhand smoke, but the principle remains the same: any smoke exposure can be harmful.
**Editor:** The family reported that they tried to ventilate the garage while grilling. What precautions should people take to avoid similar incidents in the future?
**Dr. Henderson:** Ventilation is key, but it isn’t always enough, especially when it comes to using charcoal or gas grills. People should only grill outdoors where the smoke can dissipate freely. If (for any reason) grilling indoors is unavoidable, it’s vital to use exhaust fans and ensure that there’s ample open air circulation, while continuously monitoring those present for any signs of distress. However, the safest approach is really to avoid indoor grilling altogether.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Henderson. It’s critical for families to understand the health risks associated with smoke exposure, whether from grilling or secondhand smoke.
**Dr. Henderson:** Absolutely, and thank you for shedding light on this important topic. Awareness is the first step in prevention.
