Carbon monoxide poisoning at Ocala business sends seven people to hospital
Ocala Fire Rescue officials said seven people were taken to a hospital Tuesday night after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside a structure at Cheney Brothers, the food distribution company located at 2801 W. Silver Springs Blvd.
Firefighters were called there shortly before 7:45 p.m., according to an Ocala Fire Rescue news release. On their way to the business, fire officials were told about employees exhibiting symptoms that suggested carbon monoxide exposure.
Once on scene, fire crews placed monitors in the problem area to gauge the gas levels. A high carbon monoxide level was recorded, and occupants were evacuated, the release says.
Eleven people were identified as suffering from symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Four of the 11 declined treatment, while the remaining seven were taken to a local hospital for treatment, according to the release.
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Fire crews identified a propane-powered floor cleaner as the problem. It was removed from the structure, and the area was properly ventilated.
"CO is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas which deprives the body of oxygen," the release says. "CO can overcome a person in minutes without warning because it is impossible to detect solely by using our five senses. To prevent CO poisoning scares, Ocala Fire Rescue recommends that the public familiarize themselves with CO exposure symptoms — such as headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, chest pain, etc. — and maintain working CO detectors in areas where gas or gas-powered appliances are used."
A Cheney Brothers representative told the Star-Banner that the company had no comment about the matter.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Carbon monoxide poisoning at Ocala business: Seven people hospitalized
