Two significant carbon monoxide incidents were reported in Strongsville in October.
The first, on Oct. 18, involved an entire family becoming sick to the point they could not stand up. Looking back on the incident, the family realized they began displaying symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning around 2 a.m. But at the time, they were unaware of the problem. Around 8 a.m., the husband called his mother to come over; fortunately, she called 911. Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, entered the house with special meters to detect carbon monoxide. The meters went into immediate alarm registering 611 ppm. The family was immediately removed from the house and medical care initiated. They were taken to Southwest General Health Center for further treatment and evaluation. Columbia Gas responded to assist the Fire Department in determining the source of the CO. Eventually, a heating contractor found a cracked heat exchanger in the furnace. Appropriate repairs were made to correct the dangerous situation.
The second incident occurred on Oct. 28 when a family had their CO detector go into alarm. Interestingly, this was the family’s first night in their home and the CO detector was given to the family by the husband’s father the night they moved in. When the CO detector went into alarm, they believe it to be a false alarm and changed the batteries. This process occurred two more times before they called the Fire Department for assistance.
The Fire Department arrived with their CO meters and immediately determined the presence of CO at 125 ppm. Columbia Gas was contacted for their assistance in determining the source of the CO. Two issues were determined to be causing the buildup of CO: the furnace flue pipe had unglued and became dislodged, pumping carbon monoxide into the home instead of outside, and also a cracked heat exchanger in the furnace. Repairs were made and the family is doing well now. They have since installed CO detectors on every level of their home.
Carbon monoxide, often called the “silent killer,” is a by-product of combustion, present whenever a fuel is burned, such as propane, gasoline, kerosene, natural gas or wood. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas and can be fatal at high levels if undetected. Possible sources of carbon monoxide include natural gas furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, portable kerosene heaters, fireplaces, and auto exhaust fumes.
Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous because it attracts 200 times greater to hemoglobin than oxygen. Carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the bloodstream and hinders the cells ability to function. At low levels of exposure to carbon monoxide, the poisonous gas presents symptoms similar to the flu, such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion and irritability. As carbon monoxide levels increase, vomiting, loss of consciousness and eventually death can result. Individuals with medical problems, children and the elderly are at greater risk of carbon monoxide poisoning than healthy adults.
A carbon monoxide detector is the first step to protecting your family. A carbon monxide detector provides you and your family with first warning to take action and prevent a tragic incident. In general, plug-in models were rated superior. Carbon monoxide detectors should have a test/reset/silence button, have an LED readout, and be UL certified. It is best to have a carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas. The second step to protection your family is to have your gas appliances, especially your furnace, serviced annually by a qualified service technician. This will ensure proper fuel combustion and venting to the outside. It is important to not run vehicles in the garage; never with the garage door closed.