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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Kills Two

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WCPO.com – 2/3/2011
GERMAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio - An Ohio state trooper and his wife were found dead in their German Township home in Montgomery County Thursday morning.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol Post in Lebanon says 48-year-old Tim Hall and his wife were found in the garage. It appears the couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
They were using a generator to heat their home after losing power.

According to police, it appeared that Hall went out to the garage and was overcome by fumes. Investigators believe his wife then went to check on her husband and was also overcome.

Another trooper went to the home when Hall failed to report for work. "Something happened during the night. They went outside to check, went outside in the garage to check it and it appears they were maybe overcome with the fumes at that time," said Chief Lew Wilcox.

Hall had been with the Ohio State Highway Patrol from almost 25 years and was close to retirement, according to a supervisor.

The incident remains under investigation.

Every year there are tragic stories such as this in newspapers around the country. Carbon monoxide (CO) is truly “the silent killer” and can cause death within minutes depending of the level of the exposure.

CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO ingestion can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

How can I prevent CO poisoning from my home appliances?

How do I vent my gas appliances properly?

How can I heat my house safely or cook when the power is out?

How can I avoid CO poisoning from my vehicle?


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