Homepage > Health
Members of the House of Representatives debate a bill on health care reform. Watch It Now
  • U.S. House: Health Care Debate [Also: Read The Story | In Depth]

  • 'Extremely High' CO Prompts O'Hara Twp. Evacuations

    Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sounds At Docks Condos

    POSTED: 4:59 am EDT March 17, 2009
    UPDATED: 6:37 pm EDT March 17, 2009

    Four people from O'Hara Township were treated at a hospital for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning after being exposed to "extremely high levels" when someone apparently left a vehicle running inside a garage.

    Allegheny County emergency officials told Channel 4 Action News that a carbon monoxide detector started going off at The Docks condominium complex on Riverfront Drive just after 2 a.m. Tuesday.

    Kristin Demkoski, a tenant, said police woke her and told her that "we needed to evacuate right away because there are dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in the building."

    Close to 30 people were evacuated and emergency crews discovered high levels of carbon monoxide in one of the third-floor apartments.

    Equitable Gas said the CO measured at 700 parts per million -- much higher than 35 ppm, which the Allegheny County Health Department said is the maximum allowable level for eight hours.

    "Those are extremely high levels. Anything from 400 to 800 parts per million can result in death in two to three hours," said Guillermo Cole, a spokesman for the Health Department.

    Docks condos
    The Docks condos in O'Hara Township

    Channel 4 Action News' Amber Nicotra reported that fans were used to clear the air in the building.

    When emergency crews arrived at the scene, they said they found a utility truck that had been left running in a garage and may have been the source of the carbon monoxide, according to police.

    Residents were allowed to return to their homes around 5 a.m.

    No charges have been filed. Police are still investigating.

    Nationwide Realty -- which owns The Docks -- has ordered Golon Construction to stop work at the site immediately.


    What is CO?

    Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause brain damage and death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea and fatigue.

    Of the four people being treated, two were taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital where one of the victims is listed in serious condition.

    "It's a real good thing that someone had a detector. That's why it's important for people to have them -- to catch the gas before it reaches a lethal level," Cole said.

    Links We Like

    Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser has a diet and fitness plan to help you burn fat faster and stay in shape. MoreClick Here

    You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

    If your credit is shabby, you'll need to shore up your score to convince a lender you're worthy. Here's how to boost your point total. More

    In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

    Shop Your Insurance

    Save Up To 30% On Insurance
    Paying too much for insurance? Get quotes from multiple companies and choose the best plan for you.
    Start saving now!
    Insurance Type:


    Zip Code:


    Sponsored Links