Faces of Carbon Monoxide: 32 Hospitalized After CO Leak at Daycare

A potentially devastating carbon monoxide crisis hit the Happy Smiles Learning Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on October 12, 2022.  

Emergency responders sprang into action at 7:30 AM after a child collapsed. They detected life-threatening CO levels and swiftly evacuated the building. The incident resulted in the poisoning of 57 people, including 27 children. Of these victims, 32 were rushed to the hospital and 25 who received treatment at the scene. Some children had CO levels a staggering ten times higher than normal. 

State officials took swift action, revoking the daycare's license on the spot despite its spotless record and recent inspection. The source of the leak remains unknown, but it was linked to gas appliances as the investigation was handed over to the local utility company. Miraculously, everyone affected by this terrifying incident survived. 

CO Leaks can Happen at Any Time 

Unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings have occurred in public settings like churches and daycares. A UL Standards & Engagement survey uncovered a disturbing statistic: a staggering 50% of Americans are not concerned about CO exposure in these areas because they assume CO alarms are already installed. In addition, 44% falsely believe they're protected because every state has laws requiring alarms in public places.  

These findings in ULSE's report, Understanding the Silent Threat: Early Detection and Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, reveal a critical awareness gap about the dangers of CO poisoning.  

A sudden CO leak occurred at the daycare facility just after it had been deemed safe, proving how quickly these dangers can materialize. Although the exact cause remains unknown at the time of writing, county officials suspected a problem with gas appliances in the building and called on the local gas company to investigate and potentially confirm. This incident highlights that even inspections can't prevent all CO poisoning risks, though the presence of working CO alarms would have alerted people to evacuate before the gas reached harmful levels. 

Before this incident, Pennsylvania had no laws requiring CO alarms in daycare centers. In the aftermath, state lawmakers introduced House Bill 494, which would make these potentially lifesaving alarms mandatory in daycare centers throughout the state. 

Standards Can Prevent Tragedy 

This story highlights a disturbing trend where CO incidents occur due to a lack of detection, resulting in people showing symptoms of CO poisoning before the issue is addressed. UL Standards & Engagement publishes over 75 safety standards for CO protection. These standards shape the design, construction, and testing of these products to ensure they work as intended to protect life and property. 

Among these is UL 2034, Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Had an alarm certified as meeting this standard been installed in the daycare center, the alarm would have triggered alerted the inhabitants to leave the building and call first responders. 

Learn more   

UL Standards & Engagement continues to advance its work to prevent CO poisoning through its standards. Learn more about our efforts.    

To read more about this family’s story, read Daycare License Suspended After a Carbon Monoxide Leak Sends 32 Children and Staff to Hospitals on CNN.com.