Alert: Carbon Monoxide Kills Man, Injures Wife

A Philadelphia man was killed by fumes determined to be carbon monoxide as he slept last night.  His wife, who said the couple both felt the symptoms but thought were getting sick, was taken to the hospital and is being treated for her injuries.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.  Red blood cells pick up the gas quicker than they pick up oxygen, and if there is a lot of it in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with carbon monoxide.  This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

The Centers for Disease Control lists headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and altered mental status as common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.  They also recommend you do or don’t do the following:

• Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.  If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.
• Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
• Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
• Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
• Don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.
• Don't heat your house with a gas oven.
• Don’t use portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) indoors.  Although these heaters don't have a flame, they burn gas and can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.

Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said the Fire Department has responded to 81 carbon monoxide incidents so far this year.  Last year, they responded to 492 incidents that resulted in 26 people being taken to hospitals for treatment, he said.

  
Messa & Associates represents individuals and their families in complex personal injury matters, including catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, fires and explosions as well as carbon monoxide affixation cases resulting in serious injury or death.  Our attorneys help clients throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and around the country.  For more information or to speak with us about a case, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.