Beth Bye

Bye Reminds Parents to Use C.O. Detectors in the Home

WEST HARTFORD—Following an incident early this morning where a family escaped a potentially deadly carbon monoxide built-up inside their home, state Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford) reminded parents and homeowners about the importance of installing and maintaining modern carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

“We all know of the tragedy that occurred in Stamford on Christmas morning when the lack of working smoke detectors contributed to the deaths of several people. Having modern, functioning carbon monoxide detectors in your home is vitally important,” Sen. Bye said. “I encourage all parents and homeowners to take today’s incident in West Hartford to heart and ensure that they not only have CO detectors in their home, but that they properly use and maintain all of their fuel-burning appliances.”

According to a West Hartford Fire Department news release, shortly before 4 a.m. today firefighters responded to a home on Forest Hills Drive regarding a strong smell coming from the basement. The residents—including three children—were evacuated from the building, and firefighters found a malfunctioning oil-fired boiler which caused carbon monoxide (CO) levels of 154 parts per million—more than three times the current OSHA limit of 50 parts per million (ppm). At sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness and death are possible.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas created by the incomplete combustion of fuel. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances, and even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people and those with anemia or a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible to CO poisoning.

“It’s really important to have working smoke detectors and CO detectors in your house,” West Hartford Battalion Chief Matthew Stuart said. “They give you a chance to get out before we have to save you. They save lives as long as they are maintained and are working.”

For more information on CO safety, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html