Eight Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Bell Gardens

Eight people were hospitalized after being exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning at a Bell Gardens home the morning of Jan. 15, including two children who were said to be in critical condition. According to a KTLA news report, the incident was reported at a home in the 5500 block of Clara Street. Two patients described as minors were in critical but stable condition. Another minor and five adults were hospitalized in fair condition. Officials initially described the incident as involving nine patients, but eventually said eight patients were treated.

A hazardous materials crew responded to the scene to air out the gas and determine its source. While they were not able to pin down the source yet, they said such incidents are commonly due to heating appliances that are defective. The investigation into the cause of the carbon monoxide exposure is still ongoing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with this family that is recovering from serious carbon monoxide exposure. We especially wish the two children who are in critical condition the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

CO is Deadly

According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidents of all kinds killed 136,053 people in the United States in 2014 making accidental death the fourth leading cause of mortality in the nation. Included in that number is accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills on average 374 people every year.

CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. The potentially lethal gas is colorless and odorless, and can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. Some of the most common symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach and vomiting. If you have suffered significant exposure, CO could kill you.

Product Liability Issues

Defective or malfunctioning products such as heaters and boilers are among the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially during the winter. If you or a loved one has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning as the result of a dangerous or defective product, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages and losses against the manufacturer by filing a product liability lawsuit. An experienced Los Angeles product defect lawyer will be able to advise affected victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.

Source: https://ktla.com/2019/01/15/9-treated-after-possible-carbon-monoxide-exposure-in-bell-gardens/