UPDATE: Dec. 5 at 9 a.m.
Ten people were taken to the hospital following a carbon monoxide incident in the 3100 block of Dorchester Place on Thursday, with eight requiring transport on a Mobile Ambulance bus, according to the Lexington Fire Department.
According to a department official, the apartment building was under construction and the diesel heater was not ventilated properly.
The department noted that the incident serves as a stark reminder about carbon monoxide risks, according to health officials who say the odorless, colorless gas can cause sudden illness or death without warning.
Carbon monoxide can be produced by common household equipment including gas or oil furnaces, portable generators, charcoal grills, gas stoves and other fuel-burning appliances, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often mimic the flu, including headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, chest pain and confusion.
The department further explained that each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not related to fires. Thousands more are hospitalized or seek emergency care.
Health officials say carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Installing battery-operated or battery-backed carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms, testing them regularly and having fuel-burning appliances serviced annually can protect families.
Officials recommend checking carbon monoxide detectors, properly venting fuel-burning appliances and never running grills, generators or cars in enclosed spaces.
Original Story:
Lexington fire crews are on the scene of a reported carbon monoxide incident in the 3100 block of Dorchester Place on Thursday.
Officials confirmed that nine people have been hospitalized.
This is a developing story and LEX 18 will have additional information as it becomes available.
