BEIJING, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Fifteen people have been killed and more than 270 others hospitalized in northeast China from carbon monoxide poisoning since Monday.
Thirty-two were still being treated and eight were in critical condition in Yanbian, northeast China's Jilin Province, Xinhua news agency reported.
The household gas poisonings are believed to be due to unusually low atmospheric pressure and improper use of coal for heating and cooking.
The poisonings took place in a number of residential areas in six counties of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture: Yanji, Longjing, Tumen, Helong, Wangqing and Antu in Liaoning Province, said the local government.
Local media are warning people to improve poor ventilation at home.
Burning coal is the main method of cooking and winter heating for rural areas as well as urban dwellers in many areas of northern China.
