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| Carbon
Monoxide in the News
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These are a few recent stories to hit the news about carbon monoixde posoning. The vast majority of poisoning deaths we never hear about, as it's not news worthy....yet. Niece
finds camper dead in bed Deadly
gas puts woman, sons in hospital Four
tourists die of poison gas in Himachal Pradesh Three
die in Japan from carbon monoxide poisoning Nine
year old girl dies of carbon monoxide poisoning Coroner
dies of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Two
teenages killed by carbon monoxide in the UK Five
children die of carbon monoxide poisoning Husband
killed by carbon monoxide Inspect
home for carbon monoxide dangers Carbon-monoxide
sickens mother, kids International
carbon monoxide emissions may be being ... Most
American households lack carbon monoxide detectors Family
Suffers From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fall
means time for furnace check, beware carbon monoxide Full
Recovery Expected For carbon monoxide Victims Keeping
carbon monoxide Out of Your Home Possible
carbon monoxide Leak Sends Eight To Area Hospitals Fall
can bring carbon monoxide risk Couple
suffers effects of carbon monoxide Levels
of alarm carbon monoxide Lingers After Lili carbon monoxide Lingers After Lili carbon monoxide Kills Lakewood Man, Others, On Lake Powell carbon monoxide sends workers to hospital carbon monoxide poisoning Arizona houseboaters carbon monoxide alarms offered Check
Your Heating System to Prevent carbon monoxide Exposure! Firefighters
respond to carbon monoxide incident at home carbon monoxide Poisons Three People carbon monoxide poisonings a problem after Lili carbon monoxide poisonings a problem after Lili Family
Survives Bout With carbon monoxide carbon monoxide poisonings mount in Abbeville Getting ready
for cold weather Rexburg
man's body identified in burnt car Help
fight Valley pollution Elderly
couple die in home gas leak Fire
Runs Oxygen
chamber stops carbon monoxide damage-study Oxygen
Chamber Stops carbon monoxide Damage-Study High-Pressure
O2 Best After carbon monoxide Poison Business
closes for ventilation Fire,
CO detectors a matter of life or death carbon monoxide leak evacuates local store Quick-acting
co-workers rescue siblings Eight
People Manage To Escape Deadly Gas Law
and Order: Furnace leak kills two in home US
Thirst For Oil Threatens Canada carbon monoxide Lingers After Lili Company
investigated after Rouge fatalities Heating
Safety A Must As Cooler Weather Arrives Home
Front Study:
Emissions too high Mysterious
Odor Grounds Military Charter Plane Furnace
leak kills 2 in home Indoor
pollutant alert DHEC
sets up equipment to check air in Boyer community near ...
carbon monoxide Can Kill Boaters in Minutes: CDC Family
Lives To Tell About Brush With Silent Killer Maryville
Fire Department earns Life Safety Achievement Award 10/18
Inspections keep heat systems safe, officials say carbon monoxide suspected of sickening pupils in Chase 20
apartments evacuated after carbon monoxide leak carbon monoxide suspected of sickening pupils in Chase carbon monoxide fumes part of Newman's woes NEWS
QUIRKS Lakeway
council to hear building proposals Today's
Consumer: News you can use BOILER
WARNING AS FAMILY STRUCK DOWN BY FUMES SAFETY
FIRST: Lamp timers, landscape fixtures light the way ickel
plant celebrates centenary and looks forward to the future Oxygen
Chamber Stops carbon monoxide Damage-Study Law
and Order: Man, daughter die in Wentzville, apparently of ...
Turn
up the heat, and check your furnace Prevent
some hidden household poisonings Houseboat
gases keep taking toll at Powell Parents,
boards discuss possible override to fund school rehabs Trooper
awarded Medal of Honor Biodiesel fuel
drives school buses Increased
emissions for area? Family
has close call with faulty furnace Program
is back by popular demand Help
to Tune Furnaces Group
Calls on Ottawa to Introduce National Renewable Fuels ...
Man
found dead, burned after car breaks down BIG
KICK, PLAIN SCRAP: HISTORY OF THE DRUGS IN THE WAR ON Get
outside to improve health Three
Injured in Chemical Fire Members
celebrate Cooperative Month with Barron County ... Metro
Briefs Around
Delaware Woman
says house's mold ruined her health Heater
Safety POLICE
BLOTTER Furnace
checks vital for safety Coffee
company delivers using 100 percent biodiesel Chelmsford
fire log October 6-12 Assignment America:
Dawdling Bureaucrats PG&E,
corporate criminal PAKISTAN:
Focus on wind-generated power Hyperbaric
therapy helps Murder-suicide shocks
friends, relatives Koizumi
lets rip, recants Morelle
safety law gains notice State
breathing easier: DEQ Before
You Make the Switch Do a Quick Check Heating
Bills Two
Of Four Schaumburg Fire Victims Positively ID'd Faulty electric heaters can also cause CO poisoning HSE is keen to make electricians and engineers aware of the possibility of electric storage heaters being the source of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. This follows the tragic death of a Scarborough tenant who died of carbon monoxide poisoning. An electrician who had carried out work on the heater a few days prior to the fatality was prosecuted for involuntary manslaughter. The judge ruled that there was no case to answer on the grounds that the mechanism by which the CO was generated could not have been foreseen by the electrician. Speaking of the case, Michael Stephenson, Principal Specialist Inspector (Electrical) HSE Yorkshire and North East said: "In most domestic cases of carbon monoxide poisoning that HSE investigates, the CO is produced by an incorrectly installed or maintained gas appliance. In this case, there were no gas appliances and not even a gas supply to the flats. The police requested HSE's assistance to determine the source of the CO." Subsequent investigation revealed that an electric storage heater with a cast-iron core was the source of the killer gas. Mr Stephenson continued: "There was evidence that a ducted air electric storage heater had overheated and reached excessively high temperatures resulting in a very rare case of CO poisoning from an electric appliance. Electricians must be aware of the potential for this to occur." Mr Stephenson stressed: "Anyone working on electric storage heaters with cast-iron cores should be aware of the mechanism by which CO may be generated in sufficient quantities to cause death. This tragic event should serve to remind everyone of the possible consequences of shorting out or by-passing safety devices." Carbon Monoxide Kills 6 in N.Y. Home Poisonous Gas Spread by Air Conditioning System May 8, 2000 ROSLYN HEIGHTS, N.Y. (AP) -- Six people were killed when an air conditioner absorbed carbon monoxide from a nearby furnace and pumped it throughout the house while they slept. Dr. Andrei Kranz, 46, discovered the bodies of his parents, his 2-year-old daughter, two house guests and a baby sitter Sunday morning. Kranz's wife and 17-year-old daughter were visiting relatives in Romania. 'Lifeless' Related Links: U.S. EPA/ Protecting Your Family From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Wayne State University/ Carbon Monoxide Headquarters Hamel, Minn., Fire Department/ Carbon Monoxide FAQ The air conditioner, in recycle mode, and the furnace were in the same room. It was unclear why both were on or whether one was defective, police said. Neighbor Debbi Annunziata said she saw a stunned Kranz carry his dead daughter from the Long Island house. "He was in shock," Annunziata said. "She was just lying across, lifeless. He was hysterical." The victims were identified as Victoria Kranz, 74; Marcus Kranz, 85; Simina Kranz, 2; Professor Emil Ioan Campeanu, 75; Maria Mihaela Campeanu, 68; and Emilia Dumtru, 58, the family baby sitter. Kranz was being treated today for carbon monoxide exposure. Landlord jailed for CO death Christopher Woffenden, 33, a tenant of Mohammed Ola, died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a defective gas fire at a property in Batley. Ola, his landlord, who received a 15-month jail sentence at Leeds Crown Court, failed to have gas appliances at the house checked since he bought the property in 1996. Judge Norman Jones described Ola's behaviour as "reckless" after he ignored warnings about the condition of the appliance which ultimately caused loss of life. The Judge said Ola was guilty of gross negligence, stating: "I am satisfied that you understood that warning, that it would cost money to do so and you therefore hid your head in the sand and did not do what you were required, to protect the safety of your tenants. It is to reflect your culpability for your wrongdoing, and I want it clearly known in cases that if death or injury ensues from landlords ignoring their responsibilities, custodial sentences will follow." Mr Woffenden's brother Stephen said of the sentence: "Justice has been done and though it won't bring Chris back the sentence helps a little bit." Central heating boilers and their combustion product leaks - a new study Almost 30 deaths occur annually from piped gas incidents involving carbon monoxide, a situation exacerbated by the leakage of combustion products from room-sealed appliance seals. BG Technology Ltd conducted a series of experiments at their Gas Research & Technology Centre to ascertain the best means of detecting leaks of combustion products from the casing and seals of fan pressurised central heating boilers. The HSE-funded report embraced the service engineer's role and equipment while also studying new equipment. Three different appliances were employed in the study and several methods using the following equipment were found capable of detecting leaks: smoke tubes to produce smoke for flow visualisation; a flue gas analyser to detect the drop in oxygen concentration due to a leak of combustion products; a flue gas analyser to determine the flue gas composition; and a micromanometer to determine the over-pressure inside boiler casings. A number of approaches were also tried but found to be unsuitable: smoke pellets to produce smoke for flow visualisation; smoke pellets to introduce smoke into the air intake of gas appliances; leak detector fluid; and an ultrasonic transmitter and/or detector. New carbon monoxide safety awareness campaign Dr Kim Howells, Consumer Affairs Minister, has launched a new safety awareness campaign to warn of the dangers posed by carbon monoxide in the home. Nottingham was chosen as the appropriate place for the Minister to promote the campaign's aims - statistics revealed the East Midlanders had, as a group, the poorest awareness of the dangers from carbon monoxide. Less than half of those questioned could list the possible causes of a build up of carbon monoxide or knew the warning signs of carbon monoxide in their homes. The also have one of the worst records in the UK for carbon monoxide deaths, with 57 people dying in the ten years to 1998. Publicity campaign An indoor exhibition unit is to tour the country in support of the DTI's 2000/2001 carbon monoxide advertising campaign which includes: leaflets in GP surgeries; TV and radio advertisements targeted to regions of the country with the highest incidence of CO deaths;two dedicated CO awareness mobile units touring the UK throughout the winter months; a new poster warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide; and a new resource pack about the safety of heating systems for use by safety professionals. Dr Howells admitted that he was "staggered" by the lack of knowledge among the general population. He said: "The message is simple - if you haven't had your coal fire chimney swept for years, or you've no idea when your gas boiler was last serviced, don't wait until it's too late. Take action now." Carbon monoxide poisoning Between 1990 and 1999, more than 500 people have died of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of faulty domestic heating systems, including water heaters. What emerges from a study of the casualties is that: older people and home-owners are at the highest risk; older people are ten times more likely to die than students; those using non-gas fuels are also far more likely to fall victim to carbon monoxide poisoning, mainly as people are less aware of the hazard of carbon monoxide with non-gas fuels; and non-gas fuels such as coal, oil and paraffin can be just as deadly as gas - they account for 41% of all carbon monoxide deaths. Further advice and information There is a Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions leaflet on the need to maintain chimneys and solid fuel appliances, which complements the DTI's carbon monoxide awareness campaign. It will be distributed to householders, chimney engineers, fuel suppliers and sweeps in the East Midlands and elsewhere. British Gas posters and leaflets about the symptoms of carbon monoxide are going to GP surgeries to help alert people. Free advice on gas safety issues is available from the HSE gas safety advice line on 0800 300 363. Advice DTI advice for the public is: get your appliances checked for safety every year by a competent engineer (make sure he/she is CORGI registered if you have a gas appliance); ensure your home is properly ventilated - never block vents; make sure all chimneys and flues are regularly swept and kept clear; CO detectors are a valuable warning device, but not a substitute for regular servicing of heating systems; and only buy carbon monoxide detectors that comply with BS 7860; and if anyone suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should: switch off all heating appliances; ventilate the property; and contact the emergency hotline 0800 111 999. Report on carbon monoxide poisoning on vessel Last New Year's Eve a motorised pleasure craft, Chapter Two, set off from the River Medway to sail up the Thames with its owner, his family and friends to celebrate the New Year at Tower Bridge. For some of those in the party, their trip would result in them spending the early part of the new year in a hyperbaric chamber in Portsmouth being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigation The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published a report into the incident caused by an intake of exhaust gas fumes into the cabin spaces of the vessel occupied that day by the owner, his wife, his two children, 14 and 10, another couple and their daughter, 8. The journey commenced with the cabin heater on but within a short period the children complained of feelng ill, and within one hour the majority of the passengers were feeling seasick and complaining of headaches. Shortly after this, firstly one of the children collapsed and then the owner's wife. Realising the nature of the problem the owner ordered all on deck and informed the emergency services. All on board were treated with oxygen before going to hospital for check-ups; three were detained and sent to a hyperbaric chamber in Portsmouth, but thankfully all fully recovered. The carbon monoxide came from the main engine's exhaust fumes being drawn in by the cabin heater air intake and being circulated throughout, especially when the boat was stationary or moving slowly; the main engine exhaust gas emissions seeped into this area, were sucked into the heater system, heated, and discharged throughout the boat. Conclusions Among other matters, it was concluded that: Main engine exhaust fumes, on reaching the surface, seeped into the lower cockpit area under the transom gate when the boat was stationary and at speeds up to about 10 knots, because of the development of a low air pressure centre at, or close to, the stern of the boat. With exhaust gas entering the lower cockpit, the fitting of the air intake close to deck level enabled fumes to be drawn in by the induction fan, heated, and circulated throughout the boat. Operating the boat with the canvas hood fully fitted was a contributory factor in the incident. The poorly tuned starboard main engine was a contributory factor in the volume of carbon monoxide. Recommendations Recommendations were made as follows: Krueger Ltd to: reposition the heater air intake to recycle air from the saloon/cabin area; ensure that all staff installing heating systems are aware of this incident and the importance of ensuring the air intakes are fitted in a safe area. Fairline Boats plc (the boat's designers/builders) to: identify within their sales literature the importance on petrol engined boats of the position of air intakes in the retro-fitting of air heating systems; consider and take into account the dangers of exhaust gas flow when developing new hull forms and boat designs. Eberspacher (UK) Ltd to: identify in its installation instructions the possible dangers of siting air intakes in areas where air turbulence can cause a build-up of exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide poisoning lands roofing company in court A Warwick company, Lewis Roofing, has been fined £2,000 with £700 costs for their part in work that was conducted on the roof of a house, which resulted in damage to a gas flue. As a consequence of this damage, the elderly couple who lived there suffered carbon monoxide poisoning to the extent that they required hospital treatment. The company pleaded guilty to charges that they affected the safety of a gas fitting; they were one of several companies taken to court over the matter. Michael Lewis, managing director of Lewis Roofing, said: "We didn't think we had damaged the flue. It only came to light six months after the work was carried out. We couldn't have done work to the flue anyway because we are not registered to do it." A spokesperson for the HSE said that this case should convey a warning message to irresponsible companies. Speculation over cause of building site security man's death A security worker has died in a building site cabin in circumstances which, according to newspaper reports, will cause speculation that he is a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. David Weir, 28, said to be an employee of JD Security, was discovered by workers arriving at the site in the morning in Easterhouse, Glasgow. The Evening Times newspaper relates that Mr Weir had complained in recent days of feeling sick, dizzy and was suffering headaches. The newspaper was told by an HSE spokesman that: "We have launched an investigation and are currently examining a bottled gas heater." Exhaust gases likely cause of fatal accident A post mortem examination is to be carried out to determine the cause of death of a man apparently overcome while working in retail premises in Harrogate. His son who was with him is seriously ill. Peter Agar aged 53, and Nicholas, 33, were said to have been renovating the property when they failed to return home. Police were alerted and found them both in the loft of the premises, but Mr Agar had already died. Portable generator Harrogate Council, the local enforcing authority for the retail sector, are investigating. The police discovered a portable generator with the men, and this has led to speculation over the cause of the accident. HSE to raise awareness of CO danger in Asian communities A gas safety campaign begun in December and aimed at increasing awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning among the Asian communities is continuing. It has been identified that these communities are more vulnerable with regard to gas safety issues, particularly where language and cultural differences may limit access to information. There has been a sharp increase in CO incidents in Yorkshire and the Humber regions in the last year. HSE inspectors have been active in meeting community groups in Leeds and Bradford in an effort to convey to both landlords and tenants the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of having gas appliances properly installed and regularly maintained by a CORGI registered installer. HSC's Abdul Chowdry says: "These brief, informative events take place in very low key and informal settings within existing community groups. They aim to provide the Asian community with a basic understanding of gas safety so that they and their families can feel safe in their own home environments. Gas appliances which are not properly monitored and maintained can be lethal and HSE is committed to raising awareness about these dangers at the grass roots of the communities." Anyone in the Asian communities who needs more help and advice should contact Raj Bhogal, HSE's Asian community services advisor on: 0113 283 4270.
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