NOVATO (BCN) — A family of four was treated for carbon monoxide poisoning Thursday after being exposed to gas leaking from a faulty wall heater, according to Novato Fire District officials.
The family sought help for the exposure at Novato Community Hospital after the father noticed that his children were becoming ill subsequent to the heater being ignited.
Hospital officials reported the incident to fire crews, who went to the family’s apartment, which is part of a six-unit building, evacuated all the other units and examined more than 20 other people who might have
been exposed, according to fire officials.
No additional victims were found.
The family, who are all expected to recover, tested positive for exposure to carbon monoxide that was more than twice the healthful limit.
Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless and can kill people who are exposed to it. The gas can come from many sources, including cars, malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances and engine-powered equipment.
The only way to detect it is with a carbon monoxide alarm, which can be installed in homes the same way smoke detectors are installed.