Naperville Family Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Leak

On Saturday around 9 a.m., the Naperville Fire department responded to a carbon monoxide leak and took four people to the hospital, according to a department press release.

A resident on the 1000 block of Bradford Drive called 911 and said multiple family members were feeling ill. The dispatcher directed the family to get outside immediately.

Firefighters and paramedics arrived within six minutes and detected an increased level of carbon monoxide (CO) in the home. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause loss of consciousness and death.

Ambulance crews took four family members to Edward Hospital. An investigation showed that a problem with the water heater in the family's townhome was the source of the CO.

Crews detected slightly elevated levels of CO in adjacent housing units. After ventilation, levels returned to normal. The fire department reported that there was no CO detector in the home.

The Warrenville Fire Protection District, the Lisle Woodridge Fire Protection District, the Naperville Police Department, and NICOR also assisted at the scene.

In November, a 29-year-old woman and her 65-year-old mother died from CO poisoning in their Plainfield home. CO levels were so high that five police officers who responded to the incident were taken to the hospital.

About 400 people die every year in America from CO poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. The CDC recommends installing a CO detector and having a home's heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances checked by a qualified technician every year.

Map showing location where the CO leak occurred

Image via Shutterstock