Carbon Monoxide Warnings Issued Amid Northeast Snow Storm

As much of New England continues to dig out from several feet of snow dumped in many areas, health and safety experts are warning about the potential risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which has already killed at least two people. 

The number of cases of carbon monoxide exposure often spike following hurricanes, snow storms and wide-spread power outages, particularly during cold weather.

Over the weekend, millions of residents from New York to Maine were impacted by a massive snow storm, which resulted in more than 30 inches of snow fall in many areas.

In the wake of the storm, hundreds of thousands of people remain without power, resulting in the carbon monoxide warnings and tips for steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of injury associated with the gas.

At least two carbon monoxide deaths were reported over the weekend in Massachusetts, including a young boy. In both cases, the victims were in a running car trying to warm up while shoveling snow, unaware that the snow blocking the tailpipe was causing the deadly gas to fill the vehicle.

Two other East Boston children nearly succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning under similar circumstances, but were rescued and are recovering.

Carbon monoxide is a significantly toxic gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless and lacks any sort of irritating factor that could allow someone to detect its presence. Because people often fail to promptly recognize symptoms of carbon monoxide, they are the leading cause of fatal poisonings in the United States.

In cold and snowy weather, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases for two reasons. First, power outages and severely cold weather lead to an increased use of generators, space heaters, ovens and other heat and power appliances and devices over an extended period of time. This can lead to increased levels of carbon monoxide, especially if chimneys, heating systems or appliances have been poorly or negligently maintained.

The second risk is the snow itself. Snow drifts and can become densely packed and wet, clogging vents and pipes that would normally allow carbon monoxide gases to escape. Instead, trapped by the snow, carbon monoxide gases begin to build to dangerous, even deadly, levels.

Health and safety officials are recommending that people digging out from the blizzard clear snow from vents to household appliances and vehicle tailpipes before turning them on. They also recommend that people ensure that generators are properly ventilated and used outside, away from windows, vents and doors.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning kills about 500 people in the U.S. annually, and is linked to about 15,000 emergency room visits. In many cases, the injuries or deaths could have been prevented by the use of carbon monoxide detectors and proper maintenance of heating systems and generators, which could result in the availability of financial benefits for victims through a carbon monoxide lawsuit.