Baltimore County Residents Warned of CO Poisoning Danger

As Baltimore County residents crank up furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters and other warming devices to combat the winter cold, they are being urged to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The deadly gas is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels such as oil, kerosene, natural gas and wood, according to a statement from county officials. The gas, which is invisible and odorless, robs the body of oxygen and sickens and can kill victims without them knowing of the gas's presence.

During winter months, first responders often see CO buildup that's attributable to improperly maintained fireplaces, furnaces and wood stove as well as the improper use of portable generators, according to officials.

All residents are encouraged to install CO alarms, which work in a fashion similar to smoke detectors—they sound an alert based on a presence of dangerous levels of the gas, according to the statement.

The detectors are designed to warn occupants before the gas level would cause exposure symptoms in the average adult, allowing people to get out of the house before poisoning occurs.

In two separate incidents one day last month, 10 Dundalk residents were taken to local hospitals after carbon monoxide leaks that were caused by faulty furnaces.

Neither house had a CO detector, according to county officials.

"CO alarms save lives," Baltimore County Fire and Rescue Chief John Hohman said in the statement. "Every home that includes a fuel-burning appliance has the potential to generate carbon monoxide and every home should have alarms to detect carbon monoxide."

Baltimore County law requires all rental units to have CO detectors, according to the statement.