Mother and Grandmother Die From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (Oven to Heat Home)

[JI7]

A mother and grandmother who used an oven to try to keep warm in the cold overnight temperatures were found dead Saturday, both victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Los Angeles County deputies say just before 2:00 p.m. they responded to a call in the 2200 block of El Segundo Blvd in Willowbrook. The call came from a woman who went to check on her mother and grandmother. Upon entering their home, she smelled the strong odor of gas and found the oven on and the oven door open.

The woman closed the oven door and called 9-1-1.


http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-mother-grandmother-die-carbon-monoxide,0,573125.story

this is very sad. it has been very cold in LA. probably more than usual and i don't think many are prepared to deal with it. the usual ways to keep warm during cold times probably has not been enough.

[Hannah Bell]

1. If the oven was burning, why would there be a strong smell of gas?

If the over *wasn't* burning, but the gas was on, why would you assume the family was using it to keep warm?

[Raine]

2. I wondered about that too

if gas was smelled it would indicate that the pilot light blew out. It seems like gas killed them not carbon monoxide.

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. The combustion fumes from burning the gas causes CO to occur

Having the oven door open does not allow for the proper venting of the gas and you will smell gas.


http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm

<snip>
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.


Where is CO found?
CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.