Press Release
SEPTEMBER 7th, 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
Frances, 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:
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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.
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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.
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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 561-514-5301
or visit
www.doh.state.fl.us
or
www.FloridaDisaster.org.
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