Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, along with his wife and dog, were found dead in their New Mexico home yesterday. As the authorities confirmed they did not suspect foul play, many people began to wonder if carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning—known as the "silent killer" because the gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless—was to blame. And now, Hackman's daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ that she, too, believes this may have been the cause.
While nothing is confirmed, the news reminds us how dangerous carbon monoxide is and why it's so important to have detectors throughout the home. It also makes a new recall from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that much scarier. A total of 60,000 gas boilers sold in the U.S. have been recalled after 25 reports of CO leaks and 2 confirmed deaths from CO poisoning.
RELATED: 500,000 Stoves Sold at Costco and Home Depot Recalled After Fires Cause "Extensive Property Damage."
60,000 gas boilers are recalled due to carbon monoxide leaks.
CPSC
According to the CPSC alert, "The boilers can release carbon monoxide (CO) due to delayed ignitions or component damage, posing a serious risk of injury and death."
The boilers in question come from the company Triangle Tube and include their Prestige Solo, Prestige Excellence, and Aerco Esteem condensing gas boilers. Approximately 60,000 of these boilers were sold in the U.S. since 2011 for between $3,400 and $9,700, while an additional 7,500 were sold in Canada. They were sold by wholesale distributors and installed by independent contractors. The CPSC notice provides a full list of affected product serial codes and item codes.
The boilers are responsible for two carbon monoxide poisoning deaths.
Two deaths occurred from the boilers leaking carbon monoxide.
"In 2015, a 47-year-old woman died from CO poisoning associated with a Prestige Solo 175 boiler, and in 2016, an 85-year-old man died from CO poisoning associated with a Prestige SOLO TriMax 175 boiler following a repair," states the CPSC.
Additionally, the company received 25 reports of CO leaks.
If you believe you have one of the recalled boilers and are continuing to use it, you should ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. If not, Triangle Tube will ship you one free of charge. Additionally, you should contact the company to schedule a free boiler inspection and, if necessary, free installation of a new boiler ignition system.
RELATED: 1,000+ Hair Dryers Recalled Over "Electrocution or Shock Hazard."
How to protect yourself from CO poisoning.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that the odorless, colorless gas "can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled." It is most often released from gas- and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills.
The CDC states that symptoms are often described as "flu-like" and may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
