Council re-issues warning on deadly "Energy Saving Ring" - CHOICE #
398 (December 15 2009)
PDF version
Despite previous warnings issued on a highly hazardous device
that claims to cut down on fuel consumption of gas stove, the
so-call "energy saving ring" or the like may still find their way
into the market.
Consumers are therefore strongly urged to be on the alert to
avoid the purchase and use of such a device.
The Consumer Council re-issued its warning in light of the
recent death inquest in the Coroner's Court on 2 women who died in
a fatal incident in which the housewife used an "energy saving
ring" for cooking by placing it on the gas stove. Later both she
and her mother-in-law were found dead.
The autopsy report indicated that it was carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning that caused the tragic deaths.
In 1997 and 2008, the Council issued similar warnings to
consumers following tests in which it was shown that the use of
such "energy saving" device can increase the concentration of the
highly lethal CO gas by some 40-folds in a matter of a few
minutes.
Despite the warnings, so-called energy saving device could still
be found for sale in the market to the unwary.
In September last year, officers of the Customs and Excise
Department (C&ED) seized a total of 106 unsafe items marketed
as "energy saving ring" in the Yau Tong district.
The trader was subsequently fined in court and the goods seized
confiscated.
So, if you are in possession of a similar device, cease using it
immediately. And if you should come across one in the market,
report to the C&ED for follow-up action.
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