Clare, MI – Fire officials detected carbon monoxide at the Clare Little Caesars restaurant on Monday after two employees reported symptoms commonly associated with exposure to the gas during their shift.
The Clare Fire Department responded to the call at around 8 p.m. after the two women, ages 18 and 19, reported burning eyes, dizziness and nausea, said Chief Jim Chapman.
Though carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, a gas leak can create what Chapman described as a musty feeling in the air.
He said when he and other walked into the restaurant something felt amiss.
A carbon monoxide reading indicated 38 parts per million of carbon monoxide inside the Little Caesars and rising, prompting the restaurant to close for the night.
Gas company DTE was also contacted.
Once the fire department determines there is a gas leak, it becomes the gas company’s responsibility to resolve, Champan said.
Firefighters found a broken belt on the ventilation hood over the large gas-powered pizza oven, Chapman said, which could cause fumes to permeate the air inside the building.
Neither the Clare Little Caesars nor DTE returned phone calls inquiring about the gas leak, though the restaurant was open for business on Friday.
Carbon monoxide exposure of 35 part per million over six to eight hours can cause headaches, dizziness and more, though generally 70 parts per million or greater is considered dangerous to humans, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Both employees were checked by paramedics at the restaurant and did not require further treatment, Chapman said. The discovery of carbon monoxide leaks in homes and businesses increases as temperatures drop and furnaces are turned on, and Chapman suggested inspecting appliances before winter.
Check your furnace, replace filters, and it’s a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector that’s working, Chapman said.
Having chimneys and furnaces inspected and cleaned yearly, never using generators or charcoal inside a living space and using approved heating fuels are also suggested.