2020 Recreational Boating Statistics released

“The U.S. hasn’t had as many boating-related deaths since 1998! There was a 25.1% increase in boating fatalities, compared to 2019. For the complete 2020 Recreation Fatality Report go to 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics (uscgboating.org)”

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Safe Stay Act: Craig reintroduces legislation after constituents suffer near-fatal carbon monoxide poisoning

“U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Eagan, reintroduced last week the Safe Stay Act, which would require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in each hotel and motel room across the country…The Safe Stay Act would require the installation of compliant carbon monoxide alarms and detectors in every hotel and motel room nationwide, similar to requirements for smoke […]

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Burnaby woman bravely shares tragic story to warn about carbon monoxide

Burnaby, B.C., Canada – “Two months after the incident, the report from Technical Safety BC’s investigation pointed to an improperly installed propane refrigerator as the main source of the carbon monoxide. It had been installed in 2010 and was not certified for use in Canada, according to the report.  The cabin was built in the 1950s and […]

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CPSC lawsuit filed against Amazon for selling faulty CO alarms

“A lawsuit from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found children’s sleepwear that was too flammable, hairdryers that weren’t properly insulated and could shock people, and carbon monoxide detectors that failed to sound the alarm when carbon monoxide was present. All the items were being sold by third-party sellers.” US Consumer Agency Sues Amazon Over […]

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Submariners taken to hospital for diesel exhaust exposure at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard

Bremerton, WA: “Thirty-three sailors assigned to the USS Michigan submarine were taken to the hospital Monday following potential exposure to exhaust from the boat’s diesel engine during maintenance work at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.” Sailors taken to hospital for diesel exhaust exposure at shipyard (kitsapsun.com)  

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NC: Woman found dead in apartment after CO alarms alert to smoldering fire

Charlotte, NC: “Around 4 a.m., fire crews responded to carbon monoxide alarms going off at an apartment complex…When they got there, firefighters heard the alarms and forced their way into an apartment on the second floor where they found a smoldering fire in the kitchen.” Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected in woman’s east Charlotte apartment death […]

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CO detectors required in VA daycares and K-12 schools effective July 1

Good news effective today in Virginia! “House Bill 1823 requires public schools, child day programs and certain other programs to have carbon monoxide detectors required in each building that was built before 2015.” This legislation is thanks in large part to the efforts of Nikki Zellner and her extensive research into CO incidents in daycares […]

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4 hospitalized after hotel CO leak firefighters didn’t know about until next day in Freeport, ME

Comfort Suites – Freeport, Maine “About 40 people were evacuated from the Comfort Suites in Freeport Tuesday morning after the gas-fired water heaters malfunctioned and caused a carbon monoxide leak. Firefighters arrived on scene around 9 a.m. A hotel maintenance worker noticed the leak Monday afternoon, but didn’t call 911.” 4 hospitalized after CO leak […]

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Five safety essentials for your vacation rental

VRBO to hosts: “We expect that you install a carbon monoxide and smoke alarm in every hallway near sleeping areas within your vacation rental.” This is openly accessible information on VRBO’s site. Hotel companies to franchise/members: ? Five Vacation Rental Safety Essentials (expediagroup.com)  

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Two men, boy die from CO poisoning in boating incident on Lake Erie

Cuyahoga County, OH – “Frank A. Opaskar, 76, of Avon Lake, Christopher Kedas, 45, of Huron, and Owen Kedas, 11, of Huron, died aboard the boat found circling near the Cleveland crib water intake off the shore of downtown Cleveland. Coast Guard officials arrived about 6 p.m. and entered the boat by breaking out a […]

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CO leak at Westin Governor Morris hotel in Morristown, NJ

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Authorities responded to a carbon monoxide leak early Tuesday morning at the Westin Governor Morris…firefighters from the five Morris Township stations and Madison worked to locate the source and evacuate guests. Officials located readings on all floors and secured issues with the boiler…” Carbon Monoxide Leaks At Hotel In Greater Morristown […]

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‘Dangerous’ Carbon Monoxide Leak At JFK Hotel Hurts 1: FDNY

“At around 9:53 a.m. fire officials said that everyone in the 9-story Crown Plaza Hotel, located at 138-10 135th Avenue by JFK airport was being evacuated, as carbon monoxide levels reached 100-200ppm throughout the whole building — a “dangerous” level according to safety experts. One EMS member was hurt during the evacuation, and taken to […]

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York County (VA) Fire & Life Safety Responds to a Gas Leak at the Embassy Suites Hotel

York County Department of Fire and Life Safety For Immediate Release York County Fire & Life Safety Responds to a Gas Leak at the Embassy Suites Hotel—Mooretown Road in Bruton Area of York County Late last night, personnel from the York County Department of Fire & Life Safety along with automatic mutual aid units from […]

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Shopping for generator ahead of hurricane season? Look for key safety feature, experts say

“To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, some new generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO gas builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space, like a garage or carport. And some portable models are now designed to emit less CO in the first place.” https://www.news4jax.com/money/2021/05/27/shopping-for-generator-ahead-of-hurricane-season-look-for-key-safety-feature-experts-say/?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar&fbclid=IwAR1K-XqBoyTdxuZE7duZOgsiuCpQbthQIzxdRCz7Aber_MdhfZghqxx1hN8

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Millionaire British catering tycoon, 58, and his family died in seaplane crash after pilot became ‘disorientated’ from carbon monoxide leak and aircraft plunged into Sydney river, inquest hears

“The pilot’s ability to safely operate the aircraft was significantly reduced by reasons of high levels of carbon monoxide in the cabin.” https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9621849/Millionaire-British-catering-tycoon-family-died-seaplane-crash-carbon-monoxide-leak.html?ito=facebook_share_article-bottom&fbclid=IwAR01goDn4k-tg75-fjirVuySfaLXi2n2arXyYXTmH2V3Yl2KllQ_tspKtMQ

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Father, daughters suffer carbon monoxide poisoning aboard boat near Seattle

“The Coast Guard says the father was complaining of dizziness, the young teenage daughter had delirium and loss of motor function and the youngest daughter was unconscious.” https://komonews.com/news/local/father-two-daughters-transported-to-hospital-after-suffering-co-poisoning-aboard-boat?fbclid=IwAR018_OIXyu4Bs1MMpd_NycduSdXKNvPbtg_tfTPdEFcT70eZqvJcJyVTa0

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STOP Carbon Monoxide Water-Related Deaths

“When you’re playing in the water around boats, especially if it’s a calm day without any wind blowing, CO can sit on top of the water’s surface. This puts people in the water around boats at greater risk because their mouth is typically at the same level that CO sits on top of the water. […]

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Iowa pays settlement in carbon monoxide leak that sickened 70 law enforcement cadets

“State officials already planned to demolish the building when the leak occurred. Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Director Judy Bradshaw told the Register that the building did not have a carbon monoxide detector, even though the Legislature had passed a law the previous summer requiring state buildings to have them. Bradshaw said at the time that […]

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Texas enabled the worst carbon monoxide poisoning catastrophe in recent U.S. history

“In their desperation, thousands of Texans unwittingly unleashed deadly gases into homes and apartments that, in many cases, were not equipped with potentially lifesaving carbon monoxide alarms, resulting in the country’s “biggest epidemic of CO poisoning in recent history,” according to Dr. Neil Hampson, a retired doctor who has spent more than 30 years researching […]

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House Passes Kuster’s Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House passed H.R. 1460, the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, which was introduced by Reps. Annie Kuster (D-NH) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) to create a new grant program to install carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly and low-income individuals, as well as schools and […]

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Merritt death investigation gets fresh review

Wilkes-Barre, PA –  “Nearly seven years after the mysterious death of Laurie Merritt, the unsolved case is getting a fresh review.  Merritt, a 51-year-old U.S. Postal Service employee, died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a fire at her home in Wilkes-Barre on April 14, 2014.” https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/crime-emergencies/merritt-death-investigation-gets-fresh-review/article_6e5def75-6d2e-517d-a5f3-a7f2642bbb30.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR1NVMkraLgooAnmO9ZijqqAkJkuTHba7rqRNPUOC3B–FFEeAQDpvnyKjk

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Carbon monoxide poisoning likely cause of workplace fatality

Jackson Hole, WY – “Workplace fatality stresses need for carbon monoxide detectors in homes, businesses.” https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/cops_courts/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-likely-cause-of-workplace-fatality/article_7f691cf3-dd78-569d-817a-8c771c1596bc.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR2AdR0ayF5rdKZuXBidgqxTb42vkWoxn1iQWc9varlUha33iNijmk9uZoE

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US DOL Files Lawsuit Alleging Texas Hotel Operator Illegally Fired Worker Who Sought Medical Care for Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Houston, TX – “In January 2019, a worker at a Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel in Waller alerted their employer that exposure to carbon monoxide made them ill and asked the employer to call an ambulance. In addition to refusing the worker’s request, the employer allegedly threatened to terminate the employee. After going to […]

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Jenkins Foundation HBO2 CO alarm project featured in Pressure magazine

Thank you to Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society for featuring our recent project in this issue of Pressure. We shipped free CO alarms to 23 hyperbaric units across the country to distribute to patients being discharged after receiving emergency treatment for CO poisoning. Donations are needed! There are several additional hospitals on a waiting list […]

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NFPA – Fire safety in your home away from home

NFPA’s “…updated messaging (includes) directing people to choose hotel/motels that are protected by smoke and CO alarms, as well as sprinklers, and recommends the use of travel CO alarms…” Music to our ears https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/Safety-Source/Blog-Posts/2021/03/26/Fire-safety-in-your-home-away-from-home?fbclid=IwAR3bmNrhop2nOZX2zBFjTJcogIHnO7nDQHE4cO-C96bq_T54rG5-OsTPNnQ#.YGZhwEBtdz8.facebook

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Editorial: Lawmakers CO detector law fix will protect kids

This. Is. Awesome. Truly remarkable all that Nikki Zellner has accomplished in getting CO detection requirements in place to protect kids in her home state of Virginia…all in the short span of one year. “The other reason to applaud the new legislation is that its smooth passage through the General Assembly is an encouraging story […]

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Longtime police officer, wife die of carbon monoxide poisoning in Methuen

Following this story to see if more detail is released about the source of the CO and the alarm situation. Concerning that there might have been an issue with being able to hear the alarms. https://www.wcvb.com/article/longtime-police-officer-wife-die-of-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-in-methuen-fellow-police-officer-says/35894787?fbclid=IwAR0YxLVISXQ9MVd59CyoXX0sgs8u8RqL4lqpDx4GW5dtW5jiBantF5ZdZOk#

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Pilot crashed his glider into a parked bus after he was knocked out by carbon monoxide poisoning

Pilot, 72, passed out after carbon monoxide leaked into his cockpit, report said   Scheibe Super Falke SF25E glider lost control and had a wing torn off in crash https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9376665/Pilot-crashed-glider-parked-bus-knocked-carbon-monoxide-poisoning.html?ito=facebook_share_article-bottom&fbclid=IwAR16eJa7FBUWtf2oT8Z8a4fxs-JxmNURLzg6ii8gJEzRyY9UFgflqoXmz70

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Do you think Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection requirements are adequate in your town?

“When you book your first post-COVID-19 vacation rental, do you know if the hotel you book or home you rent requires CO alarms? The Fire Protection Research Foundation conducted a literature review to summarize existing requirements for installation of CO detection devices and consolidated the available and pertinent non-fire CO incident data.” https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2021/03/17/Do-you-think-Carbon-Monoxide-detection-requirements-are-adequate-in-your-town?fbclid=IwAR0dmFUhUiOseekbZkanEDO1YhmGeLZL9TEiCIak3J97tidB1h3KJIlM6NM#.YGVDT3upDvg.facebook

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NFPA Journal: General Negligence

“A new Fire Protection Research Foundation report highlights the nation’s enduring CO problem” https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nfpa/journal_2021spring/index.php?startid=20#/p/20

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NFPA Educational Messaging Desk Reference (EMAC) 2020 now available

Worried you’re saying the wrong thing in your public education efforts? The NFPA Educational Messaging Desk Reference (EMAC), now in the updated 2020 Edition, offers educators and those involved in injury prevention and public education, accurate, relevant and up to date messaging for a multitude of facets of fire, burn , and CO prevention. Download […]

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Lawsuit filed against ERCOT, Oncor in connection to carbon monoxide deaths in Nacogdoches County

“Relatives of two East Texas residents have joined an existing wrongful death lawsuit filed in Harris County district court against the state’s grid manager and electricity providers, charging that their failure to prepare and negligent management of the electricity supply during winter storm blackouts caused their tragic deaths.” https://www.kltv.com/2021/03/04/lawsuit-filed-against-ercot-connection-carbon-monoxide-deaths-nacogdoches-county/?fbclid=IwAR1IC5_Qls-ctmqDrRqQ51NnFrauJzmc9vsckjXsmrMVB7tEtP9DE3LeREg

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Opinion: Poisoning was preventable. Pass legislation to make carbon monoxide detectors mandatory.

“Why was the situation in Texas so extreme? It likely was related…to a lack of government regulation…only three states (Hawaii, Missouri, and Texas) do not require installation of carbon monoxide alarms in residences.” https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outlook/article/Opinion-Poisoning-was-preventable-Pass-15997307.php?fbclid=IwAR1-NEZDUeNQCJa_BDDV_WKvagcA-zWvsJJC2OFL69v7xchExGJthDTusqU

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Kuster, Carter Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Washington, D.C. — “Today, Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01) introduced the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act. This bipartisan legislation creates a new grant program to install carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly and low-income individuals, as well as schools and other public facilities. The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act […]

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Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Office releases IDs of 3 dead of apparent carbon monoxide poisoning

Texas “…the victims were using a generator for electricity, and they had put it on their porch…too close to the house, and its exhaust got hot enough that it burned a hole into the home’s siding…carbon monoxide then leaked into the home and caused the deaths” https://www.kltv.com/2021/02/21/nacogdoches-county-sheriff-etoile-residents-died-apparent-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/?fbclid=IwAR2vtWzyFjDJ0ASKTsR50hBa8jPNYBSx2QZie7o9cTF4Y8aWYevVySUWNTw

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‘This is a public health emergency’: CO poisoning cases surge in Texas

HOUSTON – Houstonians and others desperate to heat their homes without power poisoned themselves in record numbers on Tuesday by running cars or generators in the garage and grills in the home, emergency officials said. https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2021/02/17/this-is-a-public-health-emergency-local-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-cases-surge/

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Six people treated for CO poisoning after generator used in Gladstone, OR home

“Crews in Gladstone say six people are being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning early Tuesday morning after a generator was being used inside the basement of a home.” https://katu.com/news/local/six-people-treated-for-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-after-generator-used-in-gladstone-home?fbclid=IwAR38KkEwjntzz1TmzYnjqN7jPVfCJ_u5MSJP7WPgWdmLmU8l036Ysc5epL0

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CO poisoning sends seven to Salem Hospital

If your power is out, don’t use fuel/gas/charcoal burning camping equipment inside your home (or your tent) and always have CO alarms with battery backup. “…three adults and four children get transported to Salem Hospital….cooking with a propane cooker inside the house…those seven people were all unconscious when first responders arrived…the children were revived on […]

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Update on CO related death of 17-year-old Minnesota girl

An update on this very sad story from a few months ago… “When we bought this house we bought new detectors. When we were changing the batteries and testing it, we thought we had been doing right, when in fact [our units] expired,” Do you know the age of the alarms in your home? The […]

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45-year-old woman dies in tent at Salt Lake City homeless encampment

“A woman who was living at a homeless encampment set up in a private resident’s yard died Sunday morning from what the camp organizer believes was carbon monoxide poisoning she got after trying to keep her tent warm.” https://www.sltrib.com/news/2021/02/07/year-old-woman-dies-salt/?fbclid=IwAR3KKzrY941A7OzcjAlizXqj20BimFgoqFXp4Kiy8ExkXnQFqdFwoa0gN_Q

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CO sent Norwich tenant to hospital twice

“After the first incident, officials could find no elevated levels of CO in the apartment. The new boiler checked out fine. After the second incident…Norwich Public Utilities, the city Building Department and the Yantic Fire Engine Co. No. 1 combed the apartment, turning on each appliance and checking…They discovered the gas stove had a hidden […]

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Planning a trip? Consider the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in hotels, motels

“In addition to installing CO detectors, every hotel should establish preventative maintenance schedules to properly maintain and inspect CO emitting equipment and their ventilation systems. They should also provide the necessary training education to their staff and especially their maintenance staff. Hotels should have knowledgeable engineers on staff and contract out maintenance of HVAC systems. […]

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CO poisoning in aviation

“Valid evidence exists from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that CO poisoning is a risk to flight crew and passengers of piston powered aircraft. First there are numerous accident reports, both fatal and non-fatal…” https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Carbon_Monoxide_Poisoning#Sources_of_Carbon_Monoxide_in_Aviation

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CO blamed for Sydney seaplane crash

Australia – “The crash investigator recommended that the Australian safety regulator mandate carbon monoxide detectors in all piston-engine planes that alert pilots through an alarm or flashing lights. The investigator noted that no other country has mandated such devices.” https://www.startribune.com/investigator-blames-exhaust-leak-for-sydney-seaplane-crash/600016463/?fbclid=IwAR35XdO532Zzhl35coGwj30OK511GItoZ8fBpcVY4jzBG4d7nqAALaEIDv0

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1 dead, 36 apartment units evacuated after Orlando firefighters respond to CO leak

Other media sources report cause of CO leak was a gas stove left on for over 24 hours. https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county/1-dead-36-apartment-units-evacuated-after-orlando-firefighters-respond-gas-leak/XIS22D7HMNFFBDXFAVEP5QR72Q/?fbclid=IwAR3_b8_-K5SXW__2-zwwP4Xp1wTl43DJZROK0CpJ2V3sPx1lxyMRA3MmyDc

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Best Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors of 2021

Consumer Reports’ lab tests reveal the best detectors for protecting you and your loved ones https://www.consumerreports.org/smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors/best-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors-of-the-year/?fbclid=IwAR0DhYgZK-T5TPKtCNxJf8rTftISVW9n6MeTRJvhHIj0GH7AqEvya_1UZwM  

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CO Detection: What It Is and Why We Need It

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Wakefield bowling alley carbon monoxide incident leads to hospitalizations

WAKEFIELD, Neb. — “Five people were hospitalized after a carbon monoxide incident at a bowling alley on Main Street in Wakefield Friday night.  Shortly before 10:30 p.m. Friday, Wakefield Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the establishment at 311 Main St., “for a suspected gas leak with people down,” according to a press release from […]

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Amazon facility evacuated after employee passes out due to carbon monoxide leak

North Carolina – “At about 7:30 p.m., Kannapolis Fire responded to a call to the facility, and upon arrival, found one person who had passed out due to exposure to carbon monoxide…” https://independenttribune.com/news/local/amazon-facility-evacuated-after-employee-passes-out-due-to-carbon-monoxide-leak/article_743f0dce-5033-11eb-992a-8315f3b55789.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR2UwC4W6AtfKr3EI6ZQszdMU6QdSQk60shllZDYhM45ofXvdVVcnCGuqDU  

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Frankfort family of five survives CO poisoning on Christmas Eve

This family’s experience is an important reminder to make sure to have BOTH smoke and CO alarms in your home These alarms look similar…double check if you’re not sure. And while you’re up there, test/change the batteries and check the manufacture date on the alarm CO alarms should be replaced after 7 years, and smoke […]

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Congress passes bill to require carbon monoxide detectors in public housing

“Even one preventable death in our public housing facilities is too many, and this important provision will help put an end to the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning for families across the nation” https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/congress-passes-bill-require-carbon-monoxide-detectors-public-housing-n1251980?fbclid=IwAR23XnBtPiars5pjQ9TvFhIyJCcAEcoTpYQ9tGx_dQujApm0dynlG-pEyas

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How Toxic Fumes Seep Into the Air You Breathe on Planes

“Airlines have been asking Boeing to install air sensors for years. But the company decided against developing the technology. Senior Boeing engineers worried that data from sensors would prove damaging in lawsuits by sick passengers and crew members, according to internal emails and sworn depositions obtained by The Times. An internal Boeing memo described it […]

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