Press Release
SEPTEMBER 28th, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE:561-355-3576
Fax: 561-355-3038 |
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PALM
BEACH COUNTY, FL— As
Floridians begin the task of
recovery from Hurricane
Jeanne, the Palm Beach
County Health Department is
urging the public to avoid
carbon monoxide (CO)
exposure by taking
precautions with gas-powered
appliances and charcoal or
gas grills.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas,
and is highly poisonous.
Depending on the level of
exposure, CO may cause
fatigue, weakness, chest
pains for those with heart
disease, shortness of breath
upon exertion, nausea,
vomiting, headaches,
confusion, lack of
coordination, impaired
vision, loss of
consciousness, and in severe
cases, death.
Health Department recommends the following precautions to
help prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning:
- Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle,
tent or fireplace.
- Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers indoors,
not even in the garage.
- If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms of CO
poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside.
In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 911 emergency services or the nearest
Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
- For more information about indoor air quality, contact the
Florida Department of Health's Indoor Air Toxics Hotline at 800-543-8279 or
visit the Department of Health website at
www.doh.state.fl.us.
For
further information, please
contact the Palm Beach
County Health Department at
561-514-5300 or visit
www.doh.state.fl.us
or
www.FloridaDisaster.org.
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