Story by CC Carmack, Radio Personality for Q108

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – It is estimated that each year more than 500 people die in the United States from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. On September 18, 2011, carbon monoxide poisoning claimed five lives at the Clarksville Speedway during the Bikers Who Care annual Toy Run weekend. Now, loved ones of those lost are working to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide by establishing September 18 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day in Tennessee.

Known as a silent killer, carbon monoxide fumes are difficult to detect because the toxins are odorless and tasteless. On that fateful day two years ago, a generator from a nearby camper filled a rented RV with the toxic fumes, claiming the lives of Jon and Katy Overton, Allison Bagwell, Jim “Slim Jim” Wall, and Timothy Stone. Sadly, there was a CO detector in the RV but without a battery it did not warn the camper occupants of the danger they faced.

Carbon monoxide poisoning deaths frequently occur due to the use of generators. Following Hurricane Sandy, four people died after being overcome by toxic fumes emitted by a generator. Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; and automobile exhaust from attached garages can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide.

The deaths of the BWC 5 rocked the community. Each one of the victims left behind children, thirteen in all, including the young twin boys of Jon and Katy Overton. For many it was a reminder of how fleeting life can be; for others it became an inspiration to educate the public on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in hopes of preventing another tragedy like the one here. In addition to the public awareness campaign, a bill named after the BWC 5 was passed in Tennessee requiring all rented recreational vehicles to include a working CO detector. However, RVs are far from the only places one should be concerned about potential CO poisoning.

According to Craig Shepherd, MPH, REHS, RS, DAAS, director of the TDH Environmental Epidemiology and EHS-Net Programs, illness and death from CO poisoning can be prevented by taking steps to safely heat our homes and businesses and through the use of CO detectors. To prevent the chance of contamination Shepherd offers the following advice:
• Never use a gas generator inside your home, garage, carport, basement, and crawlspace or outside near a window, door or vent.
• A generator should only be used outdoors at least 15 feet away from buildings.
• It is dangerous to use a gas or kerosene heater inside a home or other building.
• Never use a gas range or gas oven to heat your home.
• Do not use a gas or charcoal grill indoors, and do not burn charcoal in your fireplace.
• Do not leave a vehicle running in a garage when the door is closed, and do not use power equipment in the garage.

Shepherd says carbon monoxide detectors are important in protecting against CO poisoning, and are widely available at home and hardware stores. Carbon monoxide detectors can provide an early warning before the gas reaches a dangerous level. CO poisoning often occurs when people have no idea it is happening, such as when they are sleeping. Each home or business should have at least one carbon monoxide detector.

Low levels of contamination can cause physical symptoms including:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath and confusion
• Many of these symptoms are similar to common colds or seasonal flu.

If you believe you are suffering from CO poisoning, turn off possible sources of the gas. Any person who has been exposed to carbon monoxide should go outside to get fresh air to breathe. If someone is unconscious, open doors and windows to bring in fresh air. For life-threatening carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911. For other questions about carbon monoxide poisoning, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Please take a few minutes on this, the anniversary of the deaths of the BWC 5, and make sure your home and family are protected from this deadly gas. Help ensure that the lives of the BWC 5 were not lost in vain by possibly saving yours or someone else’s life.