A defective boiler in the basement of an educational facility in northwest Washington, D.C., triggered elevated carbon monoxide readings Thursday and forced the evacuation of 14 people, officials said. Fire crews ventilated the building and shut the unit down, and authorities later reported no injuries and normal readings throughout the facility.
What responders found
As reported by DC News Now, DC Fire and EMS crews were dispatched to the 3200 block of N Street NW, where they detected elevated carbon monoxide levels in the facility's basement and traced the source to a defective boiler. Responders said they ventilated the building, shut off the heating equipment and evacuated 14 occupants while measurements were taken. The department later said readings returned to normal and no one was injured.
Why carbon monoxide is dangerous
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and, at high enough levels, death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The gas binds to hemoglobin and reduces oxygen delivery to organs, and infants, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.
How to protect yourself
Officials told DC News Now that crews confirmed the building was safe before allowing people to re-enter. The EPA recommends installing functioning carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and having fuel-burning appliances serviced annually, steps that can limit the risk from faulty boilers and heaters. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or anyone feels symptoms, get fresh air immediately and call 911 so responders can measure levels.
