Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that is virtually undetectable to the human senses-it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Carbon monoxide is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” and it is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, coal, and/or wood. Common household appliances, such as gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas clothes dryers, gas stoves, fireplaces, charcoal grills, and wood-burning stoves are potential sources of carbon monoxide emissions. Carbon monoxide exposure can also result when automobiles or generators are left running in enclosed areas, such as garages.

Carbon monoxide is hazardous because it interferes with the body’s ability to carry oxygen to human tissue. It binds with hemoglobin far better than oxygen and, as a result, tissue becomes oxygen-starved. Organs with the highest demand for oxygen, such as the brain and heart, are most likely to be damaged as a result of carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide incidents generally involve acute exposures to high quantities of the gas, but they can also involve chronic exposure to lower levels of the gas.

While the source of carbon monoxide exposure may be obvious in certain situations, other situations (involving multiple potential combustion sources) typically require forensic expertise and testing to establish liability. And, in cases not involving a death, the medical expert testimony can be hotly disputed. The attorneys at Wallen Kelley have substantial experience dealing with experts in these fields, and they have taken carbon monoxide cases to trial.