August 31st, 2007 @ 9:19am

by Dan Guerin/KTAR



Six people are recovering after being sickened by carbon monoxide at a Tempe condominium complex.



In this instance, the carbon monoxide was produced by a gas-powered generator that was being used to dry some carpeting. The fumes traveled into the attic of the building and into several of the condo units.



Phoenix Fire Capt. Victor Rangel said even though there was a carbon monoxide detector, but in this case, it didn't help.



"They're great, but don't let them get you into a false sense of security," Rangel said. "The best thing to do is to prevent carbon monoxide is to make sure that all your appliances are properly vented."



Carbon monoxide comes from combustible fuel, like gas, oil, or kerosene. Low concentrations of it can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Higher levels can cause you to pass out.



Rangel said carbon monoxide poisoning is easily mistaken for flu-like symptoms.



"Some of the symptoms that you would feel at lower levels would be headaches, you'd become dizzy, you'll get confused, nauseated, even vomit, faint - things like that," Rangel said.



Rangel said the lesson here is to never use a fuel-powered generator indoors.