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Carbon Monoxide Closes 2 Philly Restaurants and a 550 Student Dorm, Injuries Reported

By Paul Napoli

February 1, 2010

The Philly Fire Department responded to an Art Institute of Philadelphia dormitory building at 1346 Chestnut Street in Center City early this morning after carbon monoxide (CO) detectors started ringing about 5 a.m.

The crews found high levels of the odorless deadly gas in the 14-story building that houses about 550 students and two restaurants, the Capital Grill and the Olive Garden on the first floor. They transported several students to the hospital and evacuated the building while they searched for the source of the leak.

Fire Department spokesperson Richard Davison revealed that the carbon monoxide readings varied from 120ppm (parts per million) to 3,800ppm. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), no standards have been established for indoor air, but the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards for outdoor air are not to exceed 9ppm for 8 hours and 35ppm for 1 hour.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas that is impossible to see, taste or smell, therefore CO can kill before the victim is aware of its presence. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion, while high levels of inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death.

The EPA states about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms every year for CO poisoning treatment.

The city has closed the building until officials determine the cause of the carbon monoxide, which will likely take a few days. The Art Institute of Philadelphia said it would house the students at area hotels until the building is safe for occupancy.

If you or a family member has suffered a carbon monoxide injury due to someone else's negligence or a defective appliance or equipment, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Napoli Bern Ripka LLP at 888-529-4669, we have the experience and knowledge needed to help you file a personal injury claim and see it through to its resolution. Our experienced attorneys can answer your questions and ease your concerns so that you can concentrate on healing from your injury.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on February 02, 2010 (boomark / email).