9 Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Leak In North Jersey Apartment

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Nine people were sent to the hospital Monday after authorities discovered dangerous levels of carbon monoxide within their apartment complex, officials said.

On Monday evening, fire officials were called to 407 East 31st Street in Paterson on reports of a carbon monoxide leak.

Officials discovered a concentration of 400 ppm (parts per million) of carbon monoxide in the structure. A concentration of this degree can cause headaches, fatigue, and dizziness one to two hours after exposure, and can be life-threatening after three hours, according to experts.

As a result, nine residents were taken to St. Joseph's Medical Center, and one occupant refused treatment, according to Paterson Deputy Fire Chief Jason Macones.

Officials added that an "improperly vented furnace" may have caused the leak.

PSE&G was called to make repairs to the apartment complex, according to Macones.