Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
A resident of a Greenbelt
apartment building knew about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and the only
safe way to detect the “Silent Killer” is to have a working CO detector. At about 12:30 pm, Sunday, February 1, her CO
detector sounded a warning indicating unhealthy levels of CO. She called 911 and firefighters and
paramedics responded to 6101 Beezewood Court, a 3-story garden-style apartment
building. The 911 caller did not know
her CO detector and her actions just started a chain of events that would end up saving a neighbors
life.
Apartment complex
maintenance workers arrived prior to the firefighters and started to ventilate
the building effectively reducing CO levels inside the building.
Firefighters arrived and
used gas meters to find 100 parts per million (PPM) of CO. Anywhere from 0 to 35 ppm is considered
normal with anything over that being considered unhealthy with prolonged
exposure. All occupants were evacuated
as firefighters searched for the source of CO and to account for all
occupants.
Firefighters searched all
the apartments with only one not generating a response from an occupant. They forced entry and found an adult female
unresponsive and in respiratory arrest.
EMT’s and paramedics immediately initiated treatment for CO exposure and
worked to revive the unconscious non-breathing female. Medics were successful in reviving her and
soon had her breathing on her own. She
was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
Firefighters discovered a
dislodged ventilation pipe that carries the toxic CO gas from a basement water
heater to the exterior. The patient’s
apartment was on the first floor and directly above the basement water
heater. The appliance was shut down and
ordered to be repaired before being tuned back on. The apartment building was ventilated and
occupants were allowed to return.
CO is a colorless,
odorless, and tasteless gas and is referred to as the “The Silent
Killer.” The properties of CO (colorless, odorless and tasteless) make it
nearly impossible to detect without monitoring equipment. A working CO detector
is the only method residents can use to detect the presence of CO. CO detectors
are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at hardware and home
improvement stores. We recommend the use of 10-year CO detectors.
CO results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion
and/or the inadequate ventilation of CO after normal combustion. Sources of CO
include unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces;
back drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces;
gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust
from attached garages. A broken or malfunctioning ventilation system for
these appliances is often found to be at fault for the release of CO into the
home.
CO Poisoning Prevention Tips
• In Prince George’s County, it is now a law that you have at
least one battery-powered CO detector on each level of your home and near
sleeping areas, and make sure it is more than 5 feet from fuel-burning
appliances to prevent false alarms. The Fire/EMS Department strongly
encourages the use of a 10-year CO detector.
• Ensure that fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and
working according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect these appliances
for adequate ventilation.
• Do not burn charcoal inside your house, even in the fireplace.
• Do not use gasoline-powered generators inside of your house.
• Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to
ensure proper venting.
• Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts for
appliances, such as water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
If It Happens to You
• Never ignore your CO detectors if it sounds.
• Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms
of CO exposure symptoms such as a headache, nausea, drowsiness or confusion.
Call 911.
• Exit your home. Leave the CO detector where it is.
• Do not return to your home until the emergency personnel have
arrived, the home is aired out and your CO alarm returns to normal operation.
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