Dubai: Ten people were hospitalised on Wednesday morning in a case of suspected pesticide poisoning, Gulf News has learnt.
UAE | Emergencies
Pesticide poisoning likely culprit as 10 hospitalised in Dubai
Neighbours fumigated apartment using banned substances
- By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 May 18, 2012
- Image Credit: Supplied
- The victims started vomiting around 3am on Wednesday and all of them had diarrhoea. They were rushed to the Iranian Hospital and Dubai Police was informed. This picture is for illustrative purpose only.
The victims started vomiting around 3am on Wednesday and all of them had diarrhoea. They were rushed to the Iranian Hospital and Dubai Police was informed. They were all discharged by Thursday afternoon.
The victims are reported to have started feeling unwell after opening the windows to their apartment.
All ten are employed by Sky Jewellery, which is located at the Gold Souk, opposite Naif Police Station. They all hail from Kerala, India, and share an apartment provided by the employer. While the hospital initially believed it to be a case of food poisoning, officials ruled out that possibility following investigations. Both Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality are carrying out further investigations.
A source said food poisoning was unlikely as five of the victims had food from one restaurant while the other five ate from another.
Dubai Municipality officials said that although initially food or water poisoning was suspected, investigations were pointing to pesticide poisoning as the cause. Furthermore, pesticide cans were retrieved by the police from the apartment next door.
According to the source, poisonous fumes could have filtered into the victims' apartment through the central AC duct.
The Chinese nationals who stay in the neighbouring apartment left the apartment after it was fumigated. It is understood that they left the AC running, which could have led to the fumes filtering next door.
Explosion
In addition, one of the several cans confiscated from the apartment, and placed in the corridor as officials carried out their investigations, exploded. Civil Defence was called in to contain the situation but none was injured.
A municipality official said the pesticides used were all banned and are extremely toxic. "These people would have been dead had they not received treatment at the right time," the municipality official said.
While one can of the pesticide is adequate, the residents of the fumigated apartment are believed to have used five cans.
Dos and don'ts
Eliminating pests
- Potential areas where you could leave you battling bedbugs include taxis, laundry service, hotel rooms, public transport and used furniture that is already infested.
- Do not try to get rid of the problem yourself. You may aggravate it by using the wrong chemicals.
- Call a professional company for pest control.
- Do not expect an instant solution as the treatment takes time.
- Even when you think you have gotten rid of bedbugs, they may still be there. Continuous treatment is therefore necessary.
— By Shveta Pathak, Staff Reporter
More from UAE Emergencies
More from UAE
Latest news
- Fee increase and new policy for scholarships
- Pupils to build sculptures from recycled items
- Ferry route to Lebanon Island from Friday
- Can’t conceive? Don’t just blame it on women
- Worker accused of stabbing cousin over money row
- Two men accused of stealing 600m of cables
- Man arrested in Ajman on drug charges
- Thieves net 4.5kg of gold in robbery
- Forum to tackle energy-law relationship
- Dewa’s Al Tayer praised for efforts
- ‘More health education needed for schools’
- Halal mark a must for food products
- Couple jailed one year for sex outside marriage
- Dubai drug officers framed client, lawyer claims
- Sleeping pods available at Abu Dhabi airport
Community Reports
-
Traffic rules ignored by pedestrians
Reader points out how regardless of a pedestrian crossing, pedestrians continue to break the rules.
-
Have you seen reader’s dog?
Reader’s dog went missing in Al Warqaa 3 area in Dubai.
-
Make your own superhero art competition
Teenagers create their own superheroes and develop artistic skills
-
Save-a-Heart-Day teaches healthy heart lessons
Participants learn the value of developing good-living habits early on
