Baltimore Carbon Monoxide Leaks Highlight The Importance of Detectors

Carl Saiontz

By Carl Saiontz
Posted December 13, 2010

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Two carbon monoxide leaks in the Baltimore area over the past few days highlight the importance of having detectors to alert people when high levels of the colorless, odorless and tasteless, yet toxic, gas is present.

>>PRIOR POST (12/21/2009): Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Tips

On Sunday, a carbon monoxide leak in Baltimore County at a Pikesville home resulted in the death of two construction workers who were boarding with a family. The rental home did not have a carbon monoxide detector as required by local law.

According to Baltimore County Fire Department officials, carbon monoxide levels in the home were at 400 parts per million (ppm), while carbon monoxide is considered hazardous at 9 ppm.

By the time the carbon monoxide leak was detected, fumes were so strong in the home that police and civilians who entered the home were also quickly overcome with the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition to the two deaths, five people were taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center and treated in the hyperbaric unit, and another five were treated and released at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

The Baltimore County leak came just two days after a carbon monoxide leak in Baltimore City grabbed the headlines with the evacuation of 36 children and 12 adults from the Pleasant View Gardens Child Care Center. People in the building, which is a joint Head Start center and child care facility, were promptly alerted to high levels of carbon monoxide by a detector, and were able to get out of the building.

Five people were evaluated and released at a local hospital, but none showed signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Baltimore Hazmat units detected carbon monoxide levels of 68 to 70 ppm in the building, but were able to ventilate it before levels got any higher.

The vastly different outcomes from these two Baltimore carbon monoxide leaks highlight the importance of having a detector to alert you when the colorless, odorless and tasteless gas is present. Although carbon monoxide lacks any irritating factors that could cause someone to realize there is a leak, it is very toxic and carbon monoxide is the leading cause of fatal poisonings in the United States.

The first symptoms of CO poisoning, which could include headaches, nausea, light headedness and flu like symptoms, are often not attributed to a gas leak, potentially resulting even longer exposure if a detector or alarm is not installed.

Carbon monoxide detectors are widely available for between $20 and $60, and can provide people with a chance to ventilate the area or leave the building safely.

CARBON MONOXIDE LAWYERS

The Maryland carbon monoxide lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential claim for injuries caused by carbon monoxide leaks that may have been caused by the negligence of another person, such as a landlord, property owner, builder, appliance manufacturer, repair company or other entity. To review a potential carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

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