The winter storm and power outages in Texas have triggered numerous cases of carbon monoxide poisoning as some people used unconventional means to try and generate heat as temperatures plunged.
Firefighters in Harris County reportedly handled more than 300 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in recent days. Judge Lina Hildago wrote that the number is “just the tip of the iceberg,” suggesting it was likely much higher.
“The truth of the matter is, this carbon monoxide poisoning is in many ways a disaster within a disaster,” Hidalgo said. “Much of these poisoning calls ... they’re due to bringing grills into the house, turning cars on in garages, basically using outdoor equipment inside,” Hidalgo added. “You can use that equipment to stay warm, just don’t use it in your home.”
She wrote: “Carbon monoxide is DEADLY! We have had so many carbon monoxide incidents and calls in #HarrisCounty that we can not even track them all. SIGNS & Symptoms: headaches, nausea, dizziness. Grills and generators should be left outside away from windows, doors and vent openings.”
“Carbon monoxide poisoning prevents your blood from being able to buy into oxygen,” Dr. Sam Selby, an emergency physician at Cook Children’s told the broadcaster. “You suffocate while you are still breathing.”
Dr. Samuel Prater, an emergency room physician at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, said on Tuesday that people should not use grills or generators inside.