Carbon Monoxide Incident

Tonight, Malvern Fire Company responded to the 200 block of King Street after receiving a report of a gas leak. During the response, firefighters detected a significant accumulation of carbon monoxide (CO) in the building. After activating the hot water heater, atmospheric monitors registered CO levels above 800 parts per million within just 30 seconds.
The investigation revealed the dangerous buildup was caused by a major installation error. A hot water heater had recently been replaced, but the vent pipe was never reconnected. This mistake allowed exhaust fumes to fill the room, and could have spread into the living space if it had not been detected by the tenant.
Although carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, the tenant became concerned after noticing a strange smell upon returning home from work. This alert action likely prevented a tragedy, as carbon monoxide at such levels is extremely lethal.
To give perspective, carbon monoxide levels this high are considered immediately dangerous by both OSHA and NIOSH safety standards.