FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 3, 2002

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims Life of Shoreline Woman;

Fire Department Urges Use of CO Monitors in the Home

An 80-year old Shoreline resident was found dead in her home recently, an apparent victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. The source of the deadly CO gas may have been a faulty oil furnace in the woman’s home.

The Shoreline Fire Department would like to remind people of the dangers of carbon monoxide, and to offer some simple steps to prevent such tragedies.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in America. Over 250 people die each year in the U.S., and over 5,000 are treated for carbon monoxide illness. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas. Because it is undetectable by humans, many victims of CO poisoning are unaware of what is happening to them. Sometimes early signs of exposure include headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Over time, even a low level of exposure can cause serious illness or death. Many researchers believe that CO, even in levels previously thought to be harmless, can cause asthma, depression, chronic fatigue, irritability, confusion, and memory problems.

While forced air furnaces are frequently the source of carbon monoxide leaks, there are numerous other ways people can be exposed to the deadly gas. Fireplaces, stoves, grills, and appliances that burn natural gas, kerosene, or wood release carbon monoxide into your home. Because automobile exhaust contains high levels of CO, an attached garage can be a source of fumes entering the house as well.

The best way to protect your family and home is with a carbon monoxide detector that will sound an alarm if CO levels in the house reach unsafe levels. The detectors can be purchased at any hardware or department store.

A carbon monoxide detector will sound an alarm BEFORE a normal healthy adult feels any symptoms of poisoning. Unborn children, elderly people, cigarette smokers, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions are especially susceptible to very low levels of carbon monoxide.

Besides installing CO detectors, here is a basic checklist you can use to help prevent CO exposure.

Make sure gas dryers, furnaces, and water heaters are properly vented to the outside.
Fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, or gas logs are dangerous if not vented properly.
Have a qualified appliance technician check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting, and chimney systems annually or as recommended by manufacturer.
Be aware that in a tightly sealed home, running a powerful exhaust fan can trigger "back drafting", that is, exhaust air will be pulled down your chimney instead of venting to the outside. Newer, more energy efficient homes can be more susceptible than older, draftier homes.
Excessive amounts of moisture on windows, and unexplained occurrences of headaches could be an indication of a CO problem.
Don’t let the car idle in the garage.
Make sure the flame on pilot lights or gas logs is blue. If it is yellow, you should call your gas company to adjust the burner.
Provide ventilation in the winter. Open a window slightly at night in bedrooms.

For a more complete checklist of steps you can take to avoid CO exposure in your home, visit the Shoreline Fire Department website at www.shorelinefire.com.

If you have questions about carbon monoxide exposure, please call Shoreline Fire Department’s Community Education Division at (206) 533-6500.

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