CO gas at Chambersburg store sends 15 to hospitals

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Nearly 30 people were evaluated by medics after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside a Kohl's department store on Norland Avenue Thursday morning, a Chambersburg official said.

The high level of the gas was caused by improper use of propane-powered construction equipment being used overnight and Thursday morning for a remodeling project, according to a news release from Phil Wolgemuth, deputy borough manager in Chambersburg.

Rescue crews responded to the store at 9:34 a.m. for a report of an unconscious person, according to the release.

When medics entered the building, carbon monoxide detectors they carry began alerting, and levels of the gas exceeded 280 parts per million in most areas of the store, according to the release.

Carbon monoxide, or “CO,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can be found in fumes from vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges and furnaces.

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At sustained concentrations above 150 parts per million to 200 parts per million, carbon monoxide can cause disorientation, unconsciousness and death, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Wolgemuth said 28 people were medically evaluated at the store and 15 were taken either to WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital or WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital for further treatment.

One patient was taken to a specialty hospital, he said. He didn't have additional details of the conditions of the people or whether they had been released.

More:35 exposed to carbon monoxide at area distribution center in late May

A similar incident occurred May 30 at a Home Depot distribution center off Hopewell Road in Washington County, Md., when more than 30 people were exposed to carbon monoxide. The people appeared to be OK, an emergency official said at the time.

In that incident, carbon monoxide levels were climbing to more than 190 parts per million at one point.

Ed Ernst, chief of the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway, said at the time that the high levels might have been attributed to a fuel-burning appliance in the building. A Columbia Gas of Maryland spokesman said no carbon monoxide was detected coming off any equipment his company provides gas to in the building.