Bronxville PD Warns Residents of Carbon Monoxide Dangers

The Bronxville police department issued an eAlert this morning, warning residents about the danger of carbon monoxide and offering tips on how to stay safe.

"There have been several cases of high levels of carbon monoxide sickening residents in Westchester County in the past few weeks," wrote police chief Christopher Satriale.

On Sunday, were taken to the hospital after showing signs of carbon monoxide exposure.

Satriale said no incidents have been reported in the village, but advised residents to make sure carbon monoxide detectors—and smoke detectors—at home and at work are working properly. He also urged residents to call 911 if they suspect they were exposed to carbon monoxide.

The below information was included in the alert and comes from the EPA website:

"Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure."

Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide

"At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations.  Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake.  At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result.  At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal."

Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

"It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted.  Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs.  Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time."

• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
• Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
• Do not idle the car inside garage.

Portable Generators

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they also can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/portgen.html

For more information visit, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pdfs/co_factsheet_en.pdf