Pittsburgh, PA – A local family was treated for carbon monoxide poisoning after a water tank vent malfunctioned.
Ralph Gerba, who lives in the Brookline home, said he knew something was wrong. He said he told everyone to get out of the house then he called 911.
When emergency crews arrived at the Knowlson Avenue just after midnight, the carbon monoxide levels were at a dangerous level.
“As soon as they walked in, the detector went off,” Gerba said. “I don’t even want to think about it.”
Crews immediately gave oxygen to the family of four and took them to a hospital. Officials said the four residents were all treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.
“They’re very lucky to be alive,” said Mt. Lebanon Fire DepartmentLt. Deputy Joe Thuransky.
The cause of the leak was an eroding water tank vent. A carbon monoxide leak can’t be detected by smell, and the CO detector in the home was not working.
Thuransky said he hopes the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide. He said the average carbon monoxide detector lasts about 7 to 10 years.