Three taken to hospital after Brook Lane carbon-monoxide leak

LEITERSBURG — Three people at Brook Lane treatment center were taken Sunday to Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected in the facility, according to a Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Co. spokesman.

It is believed the carbon-monoxide buildup was caused by a malfunction in a heating and air-conditioning unit, Lt. James Ulrich said.

Medics were dispatched to the center off Leitersburg Smithsburg Road south of Leitersburg at 12:37 p.m. for a report of an unresponsive person in a kitchen, Ulrich said. The person was taken to Meritus Medical Center, he said.

Ulrich said the person’s condition appeared to be serious, but not life-threatening.

Another unit was sent to Brook Lane for other people complaining of headaches, Ulrich said. Two of those people were taken to Meritus, but their conditions appeared to be less severe compared with the other person taken to the hospital, Ulrich said.

Authorities determined there was a carbon-monoxide level of 200 parts per million in the kitchen and surrounding areas, Ulrich said.

In an ideal situation, the carbon-monoxide level in a building would be zero, although the natural environment can cause some low levels of the gas, Ulrich said.

Ulrich said authorities “start having issues” when carbon monoxide starts reaching levels of 50 to 100 parts per million.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, toxic gas caused by the incomplete combustion of carbon or carbon compounds.

Brook Lane helps individuals improve their emotional and behavioral well-being through education and treatment. The facility employs psychiatrists, therapists, mental-health associates and other staff members.