Warning for Residents in High Water Areas

In late summer, early fall 2007 it was determined that high waters in our area were causing excessive decomposition of organic matter in soils. That in turn created high levels of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere and it also pushed through foundations into peoples basements and homes. Carbon Dioxide gets rid of Oxygen.

21% of the air is oxygen. If the air has less than 19% oxygen, a mask is needed. Anything below 14 percent could be deadly. Homes in this area were tested as low as 6, so the occupants had to be evacuated until officials could figure out how to combat or correct the issue.

It came to light when people called to say that they couldn't get the pilot lights on their furnaces to stay lit, and that they were feeling dizzy. They call a Utility Co. Tech who detects high levels of CO2. The Tech calls the Fire Dept. The Fire Dept. calls in Haz Mat! An investigation ensued, and voi la, the cause was determined.

Honestly I don't know how the solution was ever determined, if it was, but thought I would share it as a warning.