Carbon monoxide is a killer; know these warning signs

Carbon monoxide gas can kill quickly and without warning. Bodies found in a Baltimore apartment building and a Florida motel underscore the tragedy of accidental carbon monoxide poisonings that claim hundreds of American lives each year.

This Baltimore Sun story explains the Tuesday incident: “Chief Kevin Cartwright, a city fire department spokesman, said that two people were pronounced dead on the scene and three victims, including a child, were taken to Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment.” Read the full story here.

Similarly, five teens were found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning Monday in a Florida motel room, this story says.

The EPA begins its fact sheet on protecting your family and yourself from this deadly gas: “You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe. Practice the DO’s and DON’Ts of carbon monoxide.”

Here‘s what you need to know to stay safe.