Carbon Monoxide Sends 5 to Hospitals, Officials Say

Five people were hospitalized with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning Thursday in Aberdeen, Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association spokesman Rich Gardiner said.

Emergency personnel reportedly responded to a call for a sick person on Baltimore Street Thursday night.

Noticing the level of exhaust in the residence, medics quickly connected the individual’s symptoms with carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Gardiner.

Headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, weakness, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Upon investigation, medical personnel found other people in the home were also experiencing varying degrees of illness from exposure to carbon monoxide, Gardiner said.

There was a gas-powered generator in the basement that first responders determined had readings more than 10 times the acceptable limit of carbon monoxide emissions, according to Gardiner.

Three people were taken to a specialized facility at a regional hospital, and two were taken to local hospitals for symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, Gardiner said.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can prove fatal when found in high concentrations. Here are some safety tips to avoid exposure:

• Do not use gas appliances for heating a home.
• Have heating systems, including chimneys and vents, inspected and serviced annually.
• Install a CO detector/alarm.
• Do not burn charcoal inside a home, vehicle, tent or garage.
• Do not used portable, fuel-burning cooking equipment inside homes, garages, tents or vehicles.
• Ensure fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and working according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect these appliances for adequate ventilation.
• Do not leave vehicles running inside an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Do not use gas-powered tools or engines indoors.