CO Leak at Gaithersburg Apartments Sends 12 to Hospitals

A carbon monoxide leak at a Gaithersburg, Maryland, apartment complex sent 12 people to hospitals on Saturday, Sept. 5, most of them children, after an oven filled two adjoining buildings with the colorless, odorless gas, fire officials said.

What happened

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to Streamside Apartments at 422 N. Summit Ave. at about 8:45 a.m. on reports of a possible gas leak affecting several residents, according to FOX 5 DC. Crews found dangerously high carbon monoxide readings at 422 and elevated readings at the neighboring building at 420. Buildings 420, 422 and 424 were evacuated as a precaution.

Who was affected

More than 50 residents from the three buildings were evaluated by medics. Fire and rescue spokesperson David Pazos confirmed that 12 people were transported, four adults and seven children among them, The MoCo Show reported. One child, listed as stable, was sent to Baltimore Shock Trauma to be evaluated for hyperbaric treatment, which delivers high-pressure oxygen to clear carbon monoxide from the blood. Officials said all of the patients were expected to recover. Some early reports gave slightly lower hospital counts before officials confirmed the final figure.

Cause

Washington Gas responded and traced the gas to a faulty oven in the building at 422 N. Summit Ave. The oven was removed, and residents were allowed to return to their homes later that morning, with building management remaining on-site, according to The MoCo Show. Officials have not said what was wrong with the appliance.

Why carbon monoxide is a renter issue

Carbon monoxide is produced whenever fuel such as natural gas, propane or wood burns. A gas stove, furnace or water heater that is damaged, poorly vented or used improperly can release it into a home, and in apartment buildings it can seep into neighboring units through shared walls, ceilings and ductwork. Early symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue are easy to mistake for the flu, and children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions face the greatest danger.

Many states and localities require carbon monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances. Renters who are unsure what applies to their unit should ask their landlord and their local housing code office.

What tenants can do

• Make sure you have a CO alarm. It should be on every sleeping level and near bedrooms. Test it monthly and replace it according to the manufacturer's date, often every five to seven years.
• Never use a gas oven or stovetop to heat your home. Long, unvented use can raise carbon monoxide levels quickly.
• Report problems in writing. A yellow or flickering burner flame, soot, a strong odor, or an appliance that keeps shutting off can signal a problem. Ask management to have it inspected and keep a copy of your request.
• Act fast if an alarm sounds or you feel sick. Get everyone, including pets, outside into fresh air and call 911. Do not go back in until firefighters say it is safe.
• Know who to call. If a landlord will not fix a gas appliance, contact your gas utility's emergency line and your county housing code office.

Because carbon monoxide travels between units, one neighbor's appliance can endanger an entire building, as the Streamside incident showed when three buildings were evacuated. If your alarm goes off, knock on nearby doors on your way out if it is safe to do so, and let firefighters know which units may still be occupied. A working alarm costs little compared with the cost of a missed warning, and many fire departments and utilities offer free or discounted alarms to residents who ask.