After some recent carbon monoxide exposures in the area, Maine residents need to make sure they are aware of the dangers and signs, and take steps to make sure they are not exposed to the gas for any extended period.
In Ogunquit late last month, 21 people staying at a resort were affected by carbon monoxide, and although all of those people were OK, two of them had to be taken to area hospitals for evaluation beyond what could be provided by emergency responders.
The InnSeason Resorts ”“The Falls at Ogunquit had carbon monoxide readings in its basement at 10 times more than normal levels, York Fire Chief Mark O’Brien told the Associated Press, and, he said, the building did not have carbon monoxide detectors.
Shortly after that incident, a home in Sanford had elevated levels of carbon monoxide ”“ a colorless, odorless gas ”“ due to a furnace malfunction. In that instance, Sanford Fire Department Capt. Ron Grondin said carbon monoxide readings were around 80 parts per million ”“ in the moderate range. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has established a recommended exposure limit for carbon monoxide of 35 ppm.
Grondin said malfunctions of this kind are not uncommon, particularly in long, cold winters such as this one, in which “furnaces have been working constantly.” This is why it’s particularly important that people be prepared to look for the signs.
In this case, the homeowner smelled sulfur and unburned fuel filling the home, so they left the building and called emergency officials.
Anytime people are feeling ill and a carbon monoxide leak is suspected, the Maine Fire Marshal’s website recommends:
1. Evacuate all of the home’s occupants immediately.
2. Determine how many people are ill and determine their symptoms.
3. Call your local emergency number, and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.
4. Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
5. Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the leak.
Carbon monoxide detectors are one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your family against exposure.
The Maine Fire Marshal recommends homeowners and renters install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, near sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm, but it does not mean that CO is not present, according to the fire marshal’s website.
With carbon monoxide detectors starting at just more than $10, there really isn’t any reason not to get one ”“ or more than one ”“ to help alert you of a problem.
Exposure to carbon monoxide can be deadly: Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning kills more than 500 people each year in the U.S., and sends another 15,200 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.
During this long, cold winter, when Mainers are stuck indoors for extended periods with their heating implements working overtime, be prepared and educate your entire family of the warning signs and protocol when a leak takes place. If you can, make the small investment in carbon monoxide detectors for an added layer of protection.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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