6 Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Leak At Evanston Church

EVANSTON, IL — Nearly a dozen people, including a toddler, needed medical attention for carbon monoxide exposure Sunday at a church in Evanston, fire officials said.

Six people were taken to local hospitals in stable condition after firefighters were dispatched to the Mount Pisgah Ministry in the 1800 block of Church Street around 12:45 p.m., according to the Evanston Fire Department. Five others declined an ambulance ride.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, levels inside the building were detected at more than 500 parts per million, or ppm, according to a release from Division Chief Kim Kull. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can begin at about 70 ppm. Sustained CO concentrations of the gas of 150 or 200 ppm can lead to unconsciousness and death, according to federal consumer safety regulators.

Sunday's Church Street carbon monoxide exposure was initially thought to have been caused by a leak in a furnace, according to Kull, but representatives of Nicor Gas are conducting a further investigation to rule out the possibility of more sources of CO.

Evanston fire officials summoned seven additional ambulances from neighboring communities by activating a mutual aid alarm. The additional personnel and equipment helped with treating and transporting patients, as well as assistance with station coverage, according to Kull. Residents were advised to service their heating units and ensure their carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly heading into the cold weather season.