Beijing public security bureau on Thursday reported 52 fatal carbon monoxide poisoning cases this winter, resulting in 70 deaths.

Ninety percent of the cases occurred in small single-storey homes where coal-burning stoves were widely used for heating or cooking in Beijing's suburbs or rural areas, said a spokesman of the bureau.

Transients made up 67 percent of the victims and 71 percent of the cases were caused by improper uses of stoves.

Poorly ventilated heating and cooking systems were also blamed for household carbon monoxide poisoning.

Three campaigns had been launched in suburban neighborhoods to raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers.

The bureau reminded the public to keep windows open and avoid staying too long in bathrooms. Many homes in China have individual water heating systems in the bathroom, which may not be well-ventilated.

The bureau also organized inspections of the living quarters of migrant workers and transients, checking household heating facilities.

Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and highly toxic gas, attaches itself to hemoglobin and interferes with the body's ability to transport oxygen through the blood to the body's cells.

(Xinhua News Agency February 29, 2008)