Report: Iowa teen dies from carbon monoxide poisoning, family sickened

Philip Joens
Des Moines Register

An Iowa teenager reportedly died Monday from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to WHO-TV.

At about 6:40 a.m. Monday first responders were called to a home in the 1000 block of Cherry Avenue  because a 13-year-old girl was unresponsive.  Three other people in the home were also sickened, according to WHO. The girl later died at a hospital.

Carbon monoxide was found in the home, but Marengo Police Chief Ben Gray did not tell WHO how high the levels were. 

No other information was immediately available. 

More:Carbon monoxide poisoning: How to identify it, how to prevent it

How to identify, prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

More than 430 people in the United States die each year from carbon monoxide Poisoning, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Symptoms usually include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, fainting, impaired vision and coordination, confusion and chest pains in people with heart or respiratory disease. Prolonged exposure or high levels of carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.

Other clues that would suggest poisoning:

  • Entire family is sick at the same time.
  • Flu-like symptoms decrease while away from the house.
  • Illness is present when gas appliances are in use.
  • Excess moisture on the interior windows.

More:Are you prepared for a carbon monoxide leak? Get a CO detector, officials urge

UnityPoint Health offers these safety tips:

  • Have your fuel-burning appliances checked by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. This includes having your chimney and flue inspected and cleaned.
  • Don't use a gas oven to heat your home, and never use a charcoal grill indoors.
  • Never sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
  • Never leave your vehicle running in your garage, even with the garage door open.
  • Always provide necessary upkeep to your vehicle, especially when it relates to the exhaust system. A faulty exhaust system actually sucks back into the vehicle, causing high levels of carbon monoxide in your car.
  • If you experience symptoms, get fresh air immediately. Go to an emergency room or call 911 from a neighbor's phone. Tell the health care professional you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector that meets the requirements of the current UL standard. Check the packaging for the UL seal of approval, and always follow the installation instructions on the package.

More:11 top-rated carbon monoxide detectors to keep you safe at home

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends consumers have a CO detector on every level of their home. The devices range in cost from about $15 to $150. More from the CDC:

  • Install a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector in your home.  Make sure the packaging has the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal of approval. And follow the installation instructions on the package.
  • Remember to check or replace the batteries every spring and fall, at the same time you change the time on your clocks.
  • Place your detector near the bedroom, so the alarm will wake you up. 
  • Consider buying a detector with a digital readout,  which can tell you the highest level of concentration in your home.
  • Replace your CO detector every five years.