Kaohsiung, Taiwan – January 11, 2026
A powerful cold air mass combined with radiational cooling has led to two separate carbon monoxide poisoning incidents in Kaohsiung within three days, leaving eight people hospitalized. The Kaohsiung City Fire Department issued a safety reminder on Monday, urging residents not to install gas water heaters in poorly ventilated balconies.
According to the Fire Department, the first case occurred on January 8 in Gushan District, where a family of four was rushed to the hospital after exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Two days later, on January 10, another family of four in Lingya District suffered the same accident under similar circumstances. In both homes, the gas water heaters were found installed in enclosed or poorly ventilated balcony spaces. Fortunately, all eight individuals received timely medical assistance and remain under observation.
Data from the National Fire Agency shows that about 79.51% of carbon monoxide incidents involving gas water heaters between 2020 and 2024 occurred during the colder months of December, January, and February. Improper installation or poor ventilation significantly increases the risk, especially when temperatures drop.
The Fire Department explained that the most common causes of household carbon monoxide poisoning include installing outdoor-type heaters indoors or in confined spaces, or using indoor-type heaters without proper exhaust piping. Many residents also install heaters on balconies that have been enclosed with windows or blocked by storage items and laundry, restricting airflow and creating hazardous conditions.
To prevent accidents, officials emphasized the “Five Musts” for safe water heater usage:
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Use certified products – Choose heaters with the CNS safety mark.
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Select the correct type – Match the heater to the ventilation conditions of the installation area.
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Ensure proper installation – Have licensed professionals install and label the unit.
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Schedule regular maintenance – Inspect or replace aging heaters and let qualified technicians handle any relocation or exhaust modification.
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Maintain ventilation – Avoid adding windows, covers, or storing items that block airflow.
Residents are also advised to stay alert for symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, or vomiting while using gas appliances. These may signal carbon monoxide exposure. If symptoms appear, individuals should immediately stop using the appliance, open windows for ventilation, move outdoors, and call 119 for assistance.