Cautioned Not to Use Gas-Powered Washers in Enclosed Spaces
| Contact: | Guillermo Cole, Public Information Officer
(412) 578-8004
e-mail gcole@achd.net |
In anticipation of possible flooding this weekend, the Allegheny County Health Department is cautioning people not to use gasoline-powered washers in an enclosed space when cleaning flooded basements and other areas of their home or business.
Gas-powered pressure washers can produce lethal amounts of carbon monoxide and should never be used indoors, even with windows and doors open, unless hoses and extensions are used inside and the engine itself, which releases exhaust fumes, stays outdoors.
Health officials also are reminding flood victims that furnaces affected by flooding need to be checked by a qualified heating professional before they are fired up for the heating season.
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that people cannot detect with their senses before it kills or makes them sick.
Carbon monoxide poisoning may produce any of the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, loss of hearing, blurry vision, vomiting, disorientation, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
Anyone who experiences symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should leave the premises and immediately call 911.