As temperatures begin to drop and winter sets in, turning up the heat is a natural response, but that also means increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hundreds of people in the U.S. die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to a news release from the Ohio Department of Health.
But according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Ohio is not one of the 25 states that requires carbon monoxide detectors in residential buildings.
There is, however, a specific ordinance in Athens that requires “each dwelling unit to be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector.” They must also be replaced every five years.
Ohio Department of Health and State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers have received reports of a statewide increase in emergency visits and calls to poison control centers for carbon monoxide exposure, which “is higher than usual compared to previous years,” according to the release.
Charles Hammer, administrator of the Athens City-County Health Department, said that the problem stems from people heating and sealing off their homes in the winter.
“Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill without warning,” Flowers said in the release.
Paul Eschenbacher, code inspector at the Office of Code Enforcement and Community Development, said he checks carbon monoxide detectors in all of Athens’ rental properties every 16 months, and that they should be within 15 feet of each bedroom.
Unfortunately for some residents, that was not the case.
“When I first moved into my house, I didn't have a carbon monoxide detector for a month, and frankly, my landlord didn't seem to care,” said Katie Spector, an Ohio University fifth-year student who rents a house on Grosvenor Street from Rinaldi Rentals. “(He) would've let this house burn down if we didn't tell him.”
A Rinaldi Rentals spokesperson could not be reached by press time.
Spector’s house had a total of 28 health code violations this year, according to a previous Post article. The carbon monoxide detector is now located near all three bedrooms in the house.
Although there has been a spike in carbon monoxide exposure statewide, Athens Fire Chief Bob Troxel said that reports of carbon monoxide leaks in Athens are minimal, but sometimes the detectors’ “batteries can go bad.”
Eschenbacher added that it is recommended to reset the detectors at least a couple of times per year to decrease chances of battery malfunction.
It is important to be aware of the problem in order to prevent it, Hammer said.
“Become familiar with the symptoms of (carbon monoxide) poisoning,” he said in an email. “Mild cases can cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting. More severe cases can result in unconsciousness, coma (or) death.”
He added that if one notices or suspects symptoms, he or she should go outside for fresh air immediately.
“Ohioans need to know the warning signs and should seek immediate medical attention if they suspect (carbon monoxide) contact,” Department of Health Director Ted Wymyslo said in the release.
kf398711@ohiou.edu
@KellyPFisher
