Carbon Monoxide Poisonings Add to Maine, N.Y. Cold Woes

Thousands of people in Maine and New York shivered through a sixth day without electricity on Wednesday amid a growing number of reports of carbon monoxide poisoning as residents tried to stay warm.

In Maine, where many people used kerosene heaters and portable generators, carbon monoxide poisoning from improperly operated equipment had become a “health care crisis,” the director of emergency services at a Lewiston hospital said.

“Throughout the state there have been far greater numbers of carbon monoxide inquiries and patients complaining about symptoms,” said Frederick Baker, a doctor at the emergency room at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Two deaths and more than 150 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have been reported in Maine. New York has had four carbon monoxide-related deaths.

Subzero windchill made the task of restoring power even more daunting for repair crews trying to rebuild Central Maine Power Co.’s power system. The utility said about 230,000 people remained without power from last week’s ice storm.

“Crews coped with freezing temperatures, winds and additional outages . . . but despite that we are making progress,” power company spokesman Mark Ishkanian said.

Gov. Angus King, acting at the CMP’s request, asked the Air Force to airlift additional repair crews from North Carolina. They would join hundreds of workers from at least six other states and three Canadian provinces.

King told reporters that having the North Carolina crews drive would take too long.

The freezing rain that caused the trouble in four states and three Canadian provinces ended Saturday, but some trees remained coated with ice. Wednesday’s gusty winds pushed damaged trees into power lines that were already repaired.

President Clinton on Tuesday declared 15 Maine counties to be disaster areas. The White House has also issued a disaster declaration for New York’s North Country.

Health officials stressed that generators and heaters should be used only in ventilated areas. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include confusion, so victims often do not realize they are being overcome by the odorless gas until it is too late.