Jun 30, 2009 11:14 pm US/Eastern
Cove Point May Have Fix For Carbon Monoxide Leaks
ESSEX, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Big changes at a Baltimore County apartment complex just days after several people were rushed to the hospital, poisoned by carbon monoxide.
CBS
Big changes at a Baltimore County apartment complex just days after several people were rushed to the hospital, poisoned by carbon monoxide. Crews were out at the Cove Village apartment complex all day Tuesday, trying to fix whatever is causing potentially deadly gas to leak into the apartments. Weijia Jiang explains what's being done.
When people who live at the Cove Village complex turn on an appliance, they can't help but wonder.
"Someone can die because of carbon monoxide poisoning," said Carla Wilson.
"Everybody around here feels like it could be them," said Gloria Wells.
"The more it happens, the more concerned people get," said Tina Rich.
In less than a week, high levels of carbon monoxide sent 10 people to the hospital, prompting Baltimore County inspectors, BGE crews, master plumbers and the fire department to launch an intense search for why the deadly gas is leaking. So far, stoves and ovens are the main culprit. Crews checked each one.
"If the unit is staying closed up, the air conditioning is running, pilot lights can put off enough carbon monoxide to be a concern to us," said Timothy Kotroco.
Crews also extended vent pipes on the roofs and looked at water heaters, which in 2005 malfunctioned in two units, killing three people and sending nine to the hospital.
"You just never know. You could be in any home and it can happen," said Kenny Rich.
On Tuesday night, managers started passing out a letter bringing residents up to date on all the incidents but people say they should have had this in their hand as soon as someone was taken to the hospital. That was nearly a week ago.
"I think we've communicated with the residents as best we can," said Gary Gianino.
As for repairs, the county says a total shutdown is an option if the problems are not resolved.
The Sawyer Realty Group is helping residents with high levels of carbon monoxide in their homes to relocate.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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