“After three Americans died from carbon monoxide poisoning at an Airbnb in 2022, we’re looking at what the host’s responsibilities are when it comes to CO detectors.”
Airbnb carbon monoxide safety regulations | thv11.com
S01 E13 – The sad reality of CO poisoning-Kris Hauschildt of The Jenkins Foundation
Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast by ESCO InstituteWe often assume our health and safety is of utmost concern from hotels and commercial buildings while we are traveling. Right? Take a moment to join Kris and I as we relive her terrifying reality of Carbon Monoxide and the lack of monitoring in commercial spaces.
Apr 14 2023
“The landmark federal report marked a turning point for the U.S. fire service in 1973. Five decades later, many of its recommendations remain relevant – and unmet”
1973 vs. 2023: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell on 50 years of ‘America Burning’ (firerescue1.com)
Cobble Hill tenants say calls about high carbon monoxide levels have gone unanswered (news12.com)
Employees hospitalized after exposure to chemical at KCK food processing plant (kshb.com)
PLACER COUNTY, CA —
“A family in Placer County is mourning the loss of Jason Cassem, a dedicated father of two.
Cassem died of carbon monoxide poisoning at his home in Drum Forebay after a snowbank collapsed, trapping him inside a structure with a gas-powered generator.”
“Saying that manufacturers failed to make generators safer, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is moving forward with proposed regulations to bolster protections. The proposal comes after reporting by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and NBC News.”
CPSC Advances New Portable Generator Safety Rule — ProPublica
Madison, WI –
“According to Juneau County Sheriff’s Office’s initial statement, deputies went to the cabin, in Armenia Township, around 5 p.m. on Monday, March 27, after getting two calls asking them to check on the individuals there. Upon arrival, they discovered two people, neither of whom appeared to be breathing.”
Sheriff: Juneau County cabin death likely caused by carbon monoxide (wsaw.com)
Robbinsville, NJ –
“…EMS workers responded to 93 North Main Street in Windsor on March 15, 2023 for a person believed to be having a stroke. When the ambulance crew entered the structure “A40 single gas CO monitor began to alarm.” Warning the ambulance crew of carbon monoxide present.”
“For 2019, there were an estimated 250 consumer product-related CO deaths in the United States – greater than any other year in the report. Engine-Driven Tools (EDTs), including generators, were associated with the largest percentage of non-fire CO poisoning deaths for 2019. The report shows that since 2009, portable generators alone have been associated with an estimated 765 non-fire CO poisoning deaths, accounting for 40 percent of all CO deaths related to consumer products under CPSC’s jurisdiction.”
New CPSC Report Shows Upward Trend in Carbon Monoxide (CO) Fatalities | CPSC.gov
This is the first story in the series “Air We Can’t Grasp: The Insidious Matter of Carbon Monoxide.”
“During the winter, the two-family house I share with my mother sometimes gets so cold that I need a portable heater to stay warm. These days I use an electrical one. When I was a child, my family would turn the oven on to use it as a source of heat.
Now I’m aware that using a gas oven to keep warm can put tenants at risk for carbon monoxide. That made me wonder, how many people know the risks they face in their own homes from CO poisoning?”
Rowan County, NC –
“One was laying on the floor pretty much unconscious at that point, and then one more, kind of in the seats slumped over…Not really talking or moving.”
7 students treated for carbon monoxide exposure after getting sick on school bus – WSOC TV
“An Ohio family was forced to evacuate their home this month after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected due to a creature being trapped in their chimney.
The culprit, an owl, had been stuck inside the structure which caused a carbon monoxide leak and activated an alarm.”
“CenterPoint Energy issued its response this week to a state report that found the company committed probable violations related to carbon monoxide issues in Southern Indiana in December.”
CenterPoint Energy responds to citations related to Southern Indiana carbon monoxide leaks (lpm.org)
UK –
“Student Tom Hill, 18, collapsed and died 11 days after the holiday home operator was told about a previous tenant becoming unwell…The inquiry heard that a previous guest at the cottage had reported becoming physically unwell during her stay. The carbon monoxide alarm had also sounded.”
Carbon monoxide alert at Angus holiday cottage before death – BBC News
“…it is still a very real risk even in a tent, any enclosed area, and anything that is a gas-burning stove or heater can put off carbon monoxide. Just don’t want people to let their guards down and think that just because it didn’t happen in a house that it can’t happen in a tent.”
Campers suffer Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Sky 96.3 (sky963.com)
Pennsylvania –
“Carbon monoxide detectors are currently not required for child care centers in Pennsylvania, despite repeated efforts by state legislators to change that. State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh County, last year sponsored a bill for the requirement, but it languished in committee. On Friday, McNeill announced she was reintroducing her legislation, which would require one or more alarms in buildings that house child care facilities with possible sources of carbon monoxide.”
“Lawmakers cited a Los Angeles Times investigation that found that dangerous vapors contaminate the air supply on planes with alarming frequency, sometimes sickening passengers and crew and incapacitating pilots during flights. Over a two-year period, nearly 400 pilots, flight attendants and passengers reported receiving medical attention after these “fume events,” and four dozen pilots were described as impaired to the point of being unable to perform their duties, The Times found.”
Congress tackles toxic fumes on airplanes with new bill – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
Madison, WI –
“Firefighters were called to the apartment…after a carbon monoxide alarm sounded…Because of the incident, firefighters were able to discover a malfunctioning garage exhaust system.”
Vehicle exhaust fills west Madison apartment with carbon monoxide | News | channel3000.com
An occupant at 21 Sayner Court dialed 911 after a carbon monoxide detector inside their apartment building began to alarm. Ladder Co. 2 arrived to the eight-unit apartment building and immediately noted a strong odor of vehicle exhaust in the hallway just inside the front door. The crew used an air monitor to detect approximately 40 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide* in the first floor hallway. Occupants were asked to evacuate to the outdoors for their safety.
Meanwhile, Ladder 2’s crew proceeded to the underground parking structure, where carbon monoxide levels increased to 104 ppm. There were only two vehicles in the garage and neither were running at the time. Firefighters also noticed that the garage’s exhaust system was not turned on. The overhead door was opened to attempt to get some fresh air into the garage.
Firefighters went door to door to obtain additional carbon monoxide readings. Some apartment units had 40 ppm and others had very little. Patio doors and window were opened.
Eventually, firefighters pinpointed a running vehicle parked outside emitting high levels of exhaust. The owner said the vehicle had been parked in the underground lot and found to have a dead battery. After a jump, he took the vehicle outside, where it had been running for the past hour. It is unknown how long the vehicle was parked indoors before being moved outside, but firefighters suspect this was the source of the carbon monoxide buildup indoors.
The incident led to the discovery of a malfunctioning garage exhaust system, which should have alarmed and self-activated upon detecting high levels of carbon monoxide. Firefighters alerted maintenance staff to the problem, and maintenance staff said they would have the system serviced Monday (3/6/23).
With a smile, the person who called 911 asked if they would get a medal for calling this in. The firefighters were lacking medals aboard Ladder Co. 2, but they were sincerely grateful that this person dialed 911 before anyone in the building became ill from the carbon monoxide. After a quick trip to the ladder truck, a firefighter returned to the 911 caller’s unit to say “thank you” and to award them a shiny silver badge sticker.
*Exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to illness and death depending on the level of carbon monoxide in the air and the amount of time exposed to it. Most people being experiencing symptoms after being exposed to at least 50 ppm of carbon monoxide for eight hours or more.
The incident happened just before noon Friday in the 100 block of Soledad Street, at the Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk.
Fire officials said five people in the gym were not feeling well and their symptoms aligned with possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
All of them were evacuated outside for fresh air before being taken to a local hospital by EMS.
Two of the gymgoers needed further treatment and three others were taken for evaluation out of precaution, according to SAFD.
A Hazmat crew was called to the scene for air monitoring and they found high levels of carbon monoxide in the building, fire officials said.
SAFD crews worked quickly to evacuate the entire building and get each of the floors ventilated. They’re still working to pinpoint the source of the gas leak that led to the carbon monoxide buildup.”
Five people taken to hospital after carbon monoxide leak at downtown hotel, SAFD says (ksat.com)
“Chief Hood says that they are trying to find the source of the gas leak and believe it may be in the heating area downstairs by the pool.”
Canton, MI –
“…after clearing the scene, firefighters were called back on a report of (another) employee not feeling well. That’s when they detected a dangerous gas…four firefighters and three police officers were also sent to the hospital for evaluation…the deadly gas is odorless, and the only way to prevent such incidents is to install detectors at home and business.”
Canton police investigating 60-year-old man’s death at the business he owned (wxyz.com)
“A team of researchers led by Professor Hiroaki Kitagishi from Doshisha University in Japan has developed a synthetic heme-model compound called “hemoCD-Twins” that acts as an antidote for CO and HCN poisoning. The researchers detail the development of this novel antidote in a recent research article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.”
“Jessica Taschner was in a coma for a week and her boyfriend died after they were poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO) from a propane-run refrigerator while staying at a cabin… She spent summers there with her family, in the cabin her grandparents had built in the 1950s…”
Lawrence, KS –
“Guests and staff evacuated The Oread Hotel Monday afternoon after a carbon monoxide alarm went off in the laundry room.
Lawrence Douglas County Fire Department (LDCFM) responded around 2:30 p.m. Dispatch reported a carbon monoxide emergency with illness at the Oread, Rich Llewellyn, LDCFM fire chief, said.
‘The fire department had us evacuate the building until they could determine that it was safe to reenter,’ Tad Stricker, the Oread’s general manager, said.
Guests and employees evacuated for about 30 minutes while the fire department inspected the issue, Stricker said.
‘We did find elevated carbon monoxide levels in the laundry room,’ Llewelyn said. ‘We monitored for carbon monoxide throughout the structure and found no elevation outside of the laundry room.’
Four employees went to an urgent care facility after saying they felt dizzy and lightheaded, Stricker said.
According to the hotel, all of the guests and employees are back inside the building, and normal operations have resumed.
‘As a precaution, we have shut down our laundry room until we can determine the cause,’ Stricker said.
Llewelyn said that this is a good lesson for everyone to have a working carbon monoxide detector.
‘Whether you live in an apartment or house or even have a business, it’s always important to have a carbon monoxide detector available,’ Llewelyn said.
University Daily Kansan –
2/14/2023
“In 2021, based on the study, Health Canada issued guidelines for improving air quality in arenas. Using electric resurfacers and edgers to maintain the ice, in order to eliminate the main sources of pollutants, was its top recommendation.”
This EV is wiping out indoor air pollution in arenas across Canada | CBC News
Wasilla, AK –
“Troopers said a living area inside an attic space had both a gas generator and a propane heater running without ventilation.”
Wasilla man dead after suspected carbon monoxide poisoning – Alaska Public Media
How can employers protect employees from the dangers of carbon monoxide?
“You’ve got your suitcase packed with clothes, shoes, and toiletries, and your carry-on has your passport, phone, and laptop. But one thing you are likely missing is a portable carbon monoxide detector. While you may already have one in your home, have you ever thought about bringing a carbon monoxide detector on the road? There have been a number of instances when hotel or vacation-home rental guests have been killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas is odorless and tasteless, which is why it’s crucial to have a detector on hand.”
The 6 Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Travel in 2023 | by Travel + Leisure (travelandleisure.com)
York County, PA –
Glassport, PA –
“Glassport police said there were such high levels of carbon monoxide that five people have to be treated, and police say 39-year-old Geoffrey Davis was argumentative when they brought the gas issue to his attention. Court papers said on Monday that a 17-year-old boy kept falling without cause. His grandmother called 911 around 5:30 a.m. Paramedics found high levels of carbon monoxide and evacuated the building…Investigators say the grandmother told them her CO alarm had been going off for three days. She changed the batteries and it kept going. She then called Davis and he came two days later. Davis allegedly changed the furnace filter but allegedly never addressed the carbon monoxide alarms…Gas crews told police the building put residents in “imminent danger of death.” They red-tagged the furnace and made it inoperable. ”
Colusa, CA –
“Gene Beauchamp, 74, was an Army veteran and served in the Vietnam War…and Phil Mabray, a 61-year-old resident of Biggs in Butte County, were found dead Wednesday at a home on Spinnaker Close in The Sea Ranch…they were discovered by a crew from Gualala-based Gonzalez Tree Service that had been called in to remove a tree that fell onto the home…exact causes of death are being investigated, but the sheriff’s office has pointed to evidence indicating possible carbon monoxide poisoning….a generator was discovered in a hallway of the home, its switch on and its fuel tank empty…about a third of the homes in the community are occupied full time, a third are weekenders and the remainder are vacation and long-term rentals.”
Colusa man found dead in a Sea Ranch home was Vietnam veteran | News | appeal-democrat.com
San Antonio, TX –
“A suspected carbon monoxide leak on Wednesday led to 15 people being taken to a hospital and the evacuation of Hotel Emma, San Antonio Fire Department officials said.
SAFD officials responded to the historic hotel at the Pearl around 11 a.m. for a report of a sick person complaining of nausea and headache. Upon arrival, several more people at the hotel complained of the same symptoms.
Most of the victims were hotel staff members and no life-threatening illnesses were reported, SAFD said.
The leak appeared to be isolated to one or two floors, SAFD said.
Hotel marketing officials said it could take several hours to reopen the hotel because crews need to find the source of the leak and repair it.
The Pearl sent the following statement in regards to the incident:
The safety and experience of our associates and guests is our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, Hotel Emma has been safely evacuated and we are watching the situation closely. We are supporting SAFD’s evacuation efforts and keeping the area clear while they conduct their investigation. Southerleigh, which was also evacuated, will reopen at 4 p.m. this afternoon. The rest of Pearl’s properties have not been impacted and remain open.
The hotel sent a statement at 6 p.m. saying the hotel will not reopen Wednesday night:
In an abundance of caution, Hotel Emma has relocated our guests and staff for the evening and shut down the hotel for the night. We will continue to monitor the situation alongside the SAFD and test again in the morning. We thank the SAFD for their quick response and support. As always, the safety and comfort of our guests and staff remains our top priority.”
Carbon monoxide leak sickens 15 people, prompts evacuation at Hotel Emma at the Pearl (ksat.com)
Hotel Emma employees taken to hospitals with signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
https://www.tpr.org/news/2023-01-11/hotel-emma-evacuated-after-gas-leak-sickens-guests-and-workers
Editorial: Hotel Emma’s close call sounds alarm for carbon monoxide detectors
BUSHKILL TWP., Pa. –
“A 71-year-old Northampton County man died of carbon monoxide poisoning after using a generator at his home, according to county Coroner Zachary Lysek.
Joel S. Kotulka, of the 300 block of Old Allentown Road in Bushkill Township, was discovered unresponsive in his detached garage on Dec. 25 where a running generator was being used, Lysek said.
When he was found, he was transported by ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hecktown Oaks Campus, where he was pronounced dead at 9:11 p.m.
Kotulka’s neighborhood had lost power the afternoon of Dec. 23 due to the storm, Lysek said.
The cause of death was due to carbon monoxide toxicity, and the manner of death was ruled an accident, Lysek said.”
Waterbury, CT –
“Firefighters found a man dead while they were evacuating an apartment building in Waterbury after a carbon monoxide went off Wednesday morning, according to police.
Police said officers responded to 144 Grove St. at 10:14 a.m. after the fire department contacted them to let them know they found the man deceased in the building.
He was found in a common area of the building, police said, and the investigation was turned over to the detective bureau and Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Police said the cause of the man’s death is under investigation.
Authorities said the building was later determined to be safe for occupancy.
A representative of CK Management, LLC said they believe that one tenant who reported not feeling well went to the hospital.
They said they are committed to fixing the boiler immediately and it will hopefully be fixed by tonight.”
Waterbury Firefighters Responding to Carbon Monoxide Alarm Find Man’s Body – NBC Connecticut
“We put carbon monoxide detectors in our homes to make us aware of any odorless leaks coming from our furnace, stove or generator. However, when staying in hotels, Airbnbs, RVs, tents, campers, etc., there could either be a lack of carbon monoxide detectors in general, or a lack of knowing if they’re working or not.”
SUSSEX COUNTY, DE –
“An onboard emergency prompted a response from the Coast Guard, and the rescue of five boaters near a Delaware bay on Christmas Day.
Officials say the five mariners experienced possible carbon monoxide poisoning while boating 11 miles east of the Indian River Bay near Bethany Beach, Delaware.”
Coast Guard medevacs boaters off Delaware coast for possible carbon monoxide poisoning (fox29.com)
Aurora, Colorado –
Carbon monoxide leak sickens 7 at Gaylord Rockies Resort | FOX31 Denver (kdvr.com)
“Over one week in 2019, two people went to the hospital after they were exposed to carbon monoxide at the resort, the Denver Post reported. That leak came from work being done in the boiler room, the outlet reported.”
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article270290182.html
Idaho –
“On Friday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shared the findings of an internal investigation related to the death of Walla Walla District employee Eric Engle, who was found dead inside the Dworshak Dam on the morning of June 30.
In a statement released on social media, Matt Rabe, Director of Public Affairs for the USACE Northwestern Division, said that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently met with the family Engle to share the findings of the internal investigation.
According to the statement, it was the determination of the investigating team that Engle’s death was not caused by the violation of any safety policies or practices. That statement can be read in full below.”
“Yesterday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers met with the family of Eric Engle, the Walla Walla District Employee who passed away while on duty on June 29 at Dworshak Dam, to share with them the findings of our internal investigation. It was the determination of the investigating team that Mr. Engle’s death was not caused by the violation by USACE of any Army or USACE safety policies or practices. While we will never truly know exactly what happened, our teams will learn from this tragic incident and take steps to reduce the chances of happening to any other employee.”
“Ashley and her husband Travis started a one-family campaign for change, making calls and sending emails to get CO detectors installed in their children’s school.
‘I was angry, but our anger led to something positive,’ Travis Wilson said.
The school district approved detectors in all schools in the district, thanks to Wilsons’ efforts.”
“Currently, there are no federal laws requiring CO alarms in buildings. Local laws regarding CO alarms and detectors vary across counties and cities and towns. There are exceptions to the regulations as well. Some require them in new buildings but not in existing ones. Some require them in sleeping spaces while other requirements apply only to buildings with a fuel-burning source.
The most recent federal law, Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021, signed by the president, encourages states to adopt tougher standards but does not require the use of CO detectors. It authorizes the Consumer Protection Safety Commission to provide resources to states and encourages the use of alarms. It also establishes a grant program to help states sponsor awareness programs.
But Congress was able to require one federal agency to mandate CO alarms. Following multiple carbon monoxide poisoning deaths, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development set a deadline of December 27th to have carbon monoxide alarms installed in 3 million of its units nationwide.”
Ann Arbor, MI –
“Crews entered the hotel and found a maintenance worker inside the boiler room deceased… Testing showed the boiler room contained carbon monoxide levels in excess of 500 parts per million…”
Maintenance worker found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in Ann Arbor hotel – mlive.com
“Charles Suire, 49, of Ann Arbor, was found dead Monday, November 28, in the boiler room of the Victory Inn, 3750 Washtenaw Ave., according to the Ann Arbor Police Department.
Police were contacted by Ann Arbor Public Schools around 12:30 p.m. Monday to conduct a health and welfare check after a 14-year-old student who was staying at the hotel with his mother and father failed to show up for school. said the police.
Officers came and met with the teenager, who said he did not go to school because he was worried about his father Suire, who left her room around 3pm the previous day and had not returned, police said…Investigators reviewing the hotel’s surveillance video saw Suire enter the boiler room alone around 3pm and did not come out…”
“It was the last thing anyone expected for Suire, who had worked there for more than seven years.
Not only did Charles work at the hotel…He lived there with his wife and two sons, River and Cody.”
Carbon monoxide exposure can be deadly but it’s often the last thing people consider while traveling. Tanya Rivero reports on the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, the lack of regulations in U.S. hotels, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family this holiday season.
Rochester, MN –
“The man, 59, had gone out to a maintenance shed a few hours earlier to do some work. When church staff went to check on him, they found him dead…There was a gas tank on an engine that was out of gas.”
Rochester man found dead in church shed, carbon monoxide detected (kttc.com)
https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/vacationers-tragically-die-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-93105509
https://abc.com/shows/nightline/episode-guide/2022-11/10-thu-nov-10-2022
“It’s wise to assume that your hotel room does not have a CO detector in place, according to advocates who urge people to pack their own battery-powered or plug-in devices when traveling, noting that regulations vary.”
What to know about carbon monoxide safety before booking an Airbnb or hotel – CBS News
Carbon monoxide leak reported at lodge | Bonner County Daily Bee
“When you rent a nice place, you don’t expect not to wake up the next day…”
3 Americans found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning at Mexico City Airbnb – ABC News (go.com)
Deadly carbon monoxide poisoning in Mexico City vacation rental (10news.com)
Jenkins Foundation hotel incident data is included in this new NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation report which gives a comprehensive look at CO data collection in the U.S., with a focus on commercial building exposure incidents.
Carbon Monoxide Incidents: A Review of the Data Landscape (nfpa.org)
Poughkeepsie, NY –
“…firefighters, assisted by numerous other agencies, worked in assessing potential patients after a furnace malfunction filled a four-story apartment building with carbon monoxide… Nine tenants were treated at local hospitals.
The potentially deadly situation came to light after a man took his four children to Vassar Brothers Medical Center (VBMC) with complaints that they were all feeling ill. After a battery of tests Sunday afternoon, VBMC notified City of Poughkeepsie 911 that all five patients were suffering from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning…On the top floor, carbon monoxide readings indicated a deadly level of the gas at 1,000 parts per million (ppm).
Firefighters were hampered in their ability to communicate with the tenants, who were mostly Spanish-speaking. The city’s fire department, along with the additional fire departments and ambulance personnel on the scene, do not speak Spanish.”
“Recovering from recent knee replacement surgery and spending much of his time in bed, he began hearing his CO monitor alarm going off. He had purchased it last year the day after he heard the tragic case of Point Roberts (Washington) residents Murray Church and Gail Asmundsen who died from CO poisoning on November 25…”
“Despite not having carbon monoxide detectors present in most residential buildings, on the Stony Brook Department of Student Community Development website, for information about renting off-campus, the university states that ‘every room used for sleeping should have its own smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.’”
Some campus residence halls lack carbon monoxide detectors – The Statesman (sbstatesman.com)
“…relatives and two survivors, Kurtis Stitt and Rayfield Johnson II, are suing Michigan International Speedway and Live Nation Worldwide, the concert promoter.. While sleeping in a camper, they inhaled or were exposed to exhaust fumes from a portable generator secured to the tongue area and exhausting under the trailer, the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office reported..”
Helen, GA –
Akron firefighters were called to the Timber Top Apartments & Townhomes on Rocky Brook Dr. just before 10 p.m. Thursday for a medical emergency.
It didn’t take long for one firefighter to realize they had a bigger problem — carbon monoxide.
As firefighters checked on a 23-year-old man, they said he couldn’t give direct answers to their questions and expressed worry about his birds.”
Kansas City, MO –
“Crews believed the leak started in the boiler room. The facility had two boilers and they were working to determine which boiler has the leak.
District officials said a building contractor was on-site at Longfellow last week and no issues were noted at the time.”
Kansas City emergency crews sent to Longfellow Elementary carbon monoxide leak (kmbc.com)
Isle, MN –
“Upon investigation it is believed that the couple had been using a small charcoal stove for heat without proper ventilation…There was no carbon monoxide detector inside the cabin at the time.”
“…it appears that police and the ATSB wrongly assumed a chemical byproduct of carbon monoxide was routinely checked for in toxicology screening. Blood samples retained from the autopsies were examined, revealing all passengers had the chemical, carboxyhaemoglobin, in their systems.”
HUNTS POINT, Bronx (WABC) — At least two people were rushed to the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning after a leak in the Bronx.
The incident happened just before 8 p.m. inside 838 Hunts Point Avenue.
An 81-year-old woman is in critical condition due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
A man was also injured and is listed in stable condition.
Both victims were transported to Jacobi Hospital.
FDNY officials say elevated carbon monoxide levels were detected.
FDNY members vented and secured the scene.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the leak.
https://abc7ny.com/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-bronx-leak/12295995/
North Carolina –
“According to Deputy Jeff Caldwell the man’s death is from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a propane generator in his garage.
The man’s wife told deputies her husband went to the garage around 4:00 a.m. to check on the generator. Three hours later, at around 7:00 a.m., when he had not returned she went to the garage to check on his whereabouts and found him dead.”
“At the time of the incident, the Stampers’ home didn’t have any carbon monoxide detectors. They have now installed several CO alarms, as have all their neighbors…”
Kitten hailed a hero for saving family poisoned by carbon monoxide – Daily Tribune
“Sherbrooke’s fire chief, said carbon monoxide is created when dynamite is combusted.
“The blast creates pressure in the ground that pushes the gases to move up toward the house pipes, the sanitary and drainage pipes…”
3 homes evacuated in Sherbrooke after nearby blasting causes carbon monoxide leak | CBC News
“Congress’ ruling on the issue came in the November 2021 passage of the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.” The period of time that vehicles would be allowed to idle without automatically shutting off will be up to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg “as necessary to prevent, to the maximum extent practicable, carbon monoxide poisoning,” according to the law.”
I thought I had everything I needed onboard my pontoon boat to maximize the safety of myself and all my passengers until I discovered another item that you may not have considered either until you read this. To begin with, I’ll summarize the standard required and recommended safety equipment that most safety-minded boaters have on any boats less than 26 feet long. They include wearable life jackets that fit everyone on board, a throwable rescue device, operable navigation lights, visual distress signals, engine cut-off system, sound producing devices (i.e. horn, water-proof whistles), anchor with line, ventilation (to remove gas fumes from the hull), first-aid kit, communication devices (i.e. cell phone or VHF-FM Marine radio), and fire extinguisher. The critical item I’m now adding to my list of safety equipment is a handheld, portable, carbon-monoxide detector.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is not limited to boats with enclosed cabins and it has proven to be deadly on open motorboats. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic gas created by gasoline-powered engines, including on-board generators that can kill you. It displaces oxygen in your blood and deprives vital organs of oxygen. Even though carbon monoxide has no odor, if you smell exhaust, carbon monoxide is present, but you don’t have to smell anything for it to kill you. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes similar symptoms to dehydration, seasickness, or alcohol intoxication. They include dizziness, weakness, nausea, voting, fatigue, seizure, chest pain, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Wind coming from the aft or rear of a boat can increase the buildup of carbon monoxide on board. It’s best to run a boat so prevailing winds will help dissipate exhaust fumes. If you’re driving your boat at idle speeds or at a fast high-bow angle, both can draw exhaust fumes back towards your boat, especially if there’s a tail wind. This circular airflow pattern of exhaust back towards your boat is referred to as a station-wagon or back-draft effect. Children, older adults, or immune-compromised individuals are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning from this back-draft effect.
After a long day of boating, Andy Free was only nine when he passed out and fell overboard from a docked boat. They were leaving for the day and the engine wasn’t even running at the time that he fell overboard. The Free family’s two older boys were discovered to have high levels of carbon monoxide poisoning, but they survived with medical treatment. The Free family had spent many years enjoying the water and always followed boating safety rules, but they didn’t know about the hidden danger of carbon monoxide poisoning until after their tragic loss of Andy (https://thelittledude.org/).
The family of 7-year-old Afton Taylor also suffered a tragic loss of their son to carbon monoxide poisoning. Afton was a swimmer and he had been enjoying the water since he was 6-months old. Afton fell overboard while sitting in the back of the boat as it was moving slowly in a no wake zone (https://www.lovelikeafton.com).
Carbon monoxide can also be very dangerous in the water around boats because it can accumulate near the water’s surface, especially on calm days with engines running nearby. Ally Sidloski, a 21-year-old woman died from carbon monoxide poisoning after jumping into a lake for a swim off a boat she had been on for the day. Ally was an excellent swimmer, and her parents were shocked to hear that she died in the water because they had never heard of carbon monoxide poisoning associated with boats (https://weplayfor3.com).
The Triple A’s, as the families call themselves in honor of Andy, Afton, and Ally are working together to spread the word about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when boating. They encourage boaters to use a marine carbon monoxide detector, seat children in the forward-most seating on a boat, avoid idling and exposure to emissions from other boats, and maintain fresh air circulation at all times. Also, seek medical attention immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
In addition to that list of tips, wearing a life jacket can help in the recovery and resuscitation of someone affected by carbon monoxide. Please wear a life jacket when boating, floating, or swimming around boats because even one breath of carbon monoxide can cause people to pass out and drown.
I’ve purchased a handheld, portable carbon monoxide detector to add to my boat’s safety equipment. My hope is that anyone who boats or swims around motorboats gets one too. Share this information with those you know who enjoy boating and playing in the water around boats so we can prevent carbon monoxide deaths and save more lives on our nation’s waterways! For more information regarding the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning when boating visit PleaseWearIt.com and https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/carbon-monoxide.php.
DVIDS – News – Detecting Deadly Carbon Monoxide on Boats (dvidshub.net)
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) –
Seven Bowling Green Junior High students and an employee have become ill after elevated levels of carbon monoxide were detected in the school’s kitchen.
The following communication was sent to families of students at Bowling Green Junior High.
“Earlier today, an employee in the cafeteria became ill, which was determined to be caused by elevated levels of CO2 in the kitchen. The entire school was checked by the Bowling Green Fire Department, and determined concerns were isolated to the kitchen and cafeteria area. Upon further investigation across the school, seven BGJHS students indicated they were experiencing symptoms, and were also evaluated by medical staff…”
“Look for portable generators that shut off automatically when high levels of CO are present. Some models with CO shut-off also have reduced emissions. These models may or may not be advertised as certified to the latest safety standards for portable generators- PGMA G300-2018 and UL 2201 – which are estimated to reduce deaths from CO poisoning by 87% and 100%, respectively.”
Idaho –
“Eric Engle, an Army veteran and employee of the Corps, died of carbon monoxide poisoning on June 29 while operating a gas-powered pressure washer in a tunnel at the dam. The Corps said this week Engle’s death has prompted five separate investigations.”
Several agencies looking at Dworshak Dam death | Northwest | lmtribune.com
ENID, OK
“Three people were transported to a hospital and three others were treated at the scene after being overcome by carbon monoxide Saturday at an Enid church.
According to Enid Fire Department Deputy Chief Chad Mantz, the six people were overcome at the church at 1724 W. Broadway, where propane burners or cookers were being used in the basement.”
EPD: 6 people treated for carbon monoxide exposure | News | enidnews.com
“He was not the first guest to fall ill in Room 205. Just when Pawel Markowski thought that nothing could shake him more than nearly losing his life to a carbon monoxide leak at a hotel in Catoosa, Okla., his lawyer sent him the Fire Department’s report.
‘We have previously responded to this exact room number two other times in the last two weeks,’ Denus Benton, Catoosa’s fire chief, wrote….”
Why Don’t Many Hotels Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms? – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
“…a total of 24 patients were treated after the incident at Stonegate Lodge on East Van Buren Avenue. Ten were transported to hospitals, including four who were airlifted. One patient initially transported to Eureka Springs Hospital was flown out of that facility in critical condition…”
Helicopters transport 5 from hotel – Carroll County News (carrollconews.com)
“In Arkansas, hotels are not required to have carbon monoxide detectors. Eureka Springs fire officials could confirm Tuesday whether the Stonegate Lodge had them.”
Eureka Springs, Ark. lodge’s guests recovering after carbon monoxide leak (ky3.com)
19 become ill from apparent carbon monoxide in Eureka Springs hotel (nwaonline.com)
“The Hampton Inn in Bow was evacuated Tuesday night after elevated levels of carbon monoxide triggered alarms.
Bow Fire Chief Eliot Berman said the incident, which began shortly before 8:30 p.m., was traced to a problem with one of the hotel’s furnaces.
Guests spent a couple hours outside while fire department personnel went through the building. “We had to evaluate five or six individuals, but nobody was transported to the hospital,” the chief said. “Everybody was fine.”
Once carbon monoxide levels returned to acceptable levels, guests were allowed back inside shortly before 11 p.m., he said.”
Faulty furnace triggers evacuation at Bow hotel | Public Safety | unionleader.com
“A broken exhaust fan led to a carbon monoxide build-up Monday night in a Southwest Side underground parking garage, authorities reported.
Fire crews responded to the apartment building in the 90 block of Kessel Court on reports of carbon monoxide alarms sounding, Madison Fire Department spokesperson Cynthia Schuster said in a statement.”
https://madison.com/news/local/broken-exhaust-fan-leads-to-carbon-monoxide-build-up-in-southwest-side-underground-garage-authorities/article_01fad19f-8774-5f86-bef4-69eb8d6ca168.html
OLEAN, NY — Washington West Elementary School was evacuated Wednesday after firefighters found two construction workers in “obvious distress with levels of carbon monoxide present in their blood,” according to a press release from the City of Olean Fire Department.
Firefighters responding to the scene determined that six people were suffering from carbon monoxide. Two were taken to Olean General Hospital; four were treated at the scene.
According to the press release, the incident was caused by propane powered construction equipment that was operated in an area with minimal ventilation.
PR2022-07-06_WashingtonWest.pdf (cityofolean.org)
Carbon Monoxide Causes Evacuation of Washington West | Greater Olean, NY News TAPinto
“The Committee is seeking to understand why your company has failed to adequately adopt industry-led standards, how your company plans to prevent putting your customers at risk in the future, and whether legislative reform is necessary to protect consumers…”
Carbon Monoxide Detector Saves MJ Listener At Music Festival (myq105.com)
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