Carbon Monoxide Seeps into College Dorm
By Bridget O'Shea 7-16-06
A wave of illness at a college dormitory in Roanoke, Va., could lead to a state law requiring carbon monoxide detectors in residential buildings.
The Roanoke Times reported that more than 100 people became ill in the Roanoke College dormitory Friday morning. Staying in the facility were adults attending a three-day Lutheran Power of the Spirit conference and teens taking part in the six-week Upward Bound college prep program.
College officials said the fumes may have come from a hot water heater, but the investigation is incomplete.
The Times said 62 people were taken to Lewis-Gale Medical Center and another 49 were taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Victims had been complaining of headaches, shakiness, nausea and dizziness.
One man, 91-year-old retired pastor Walter Vierling of Pearisburg, died.
In response to the carbon monoxide leak, Charles Singleton, chairman of the legislative committee of the Virginia State Firefighters Association, said the incident will probably push poison detectors to the top of the legislative agenda.
| 
