With a reputation as the silent killer, carbon monoxide’s harmful effects were seen full force during the tragedy that unfolded Saturday that left one child dead and nearly a dozen hospitalized.
Shortly before 10 a.m., authorities responded to a carbon monoxide leak at the Quality Inn & Suites. When they arrived, they found six children collapsed by the pool.
Authorities are continuing the police-led investigation at the hotel, 1265 S. 11th St. What they have revealed is that children who were swimming at the hotel for a birthday party were exposed to more than 800 parts per million of carbon monoxide, leaking from a faulty pool heater venter.
According to Jose Gomez, a doctor at Niles Lakeland Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, the severity of poisoning depends on the age and general health of the individual.

When the body is exposed to 800 parts per million of carbon monoxide, it takes about 45 minutes for gas to cause headache, nausea and dizziness. One hour of exposure at 800 parts per million can lead to collapse and unconsciousness, Gomez said in reference to information from the National Fire Protection Association.
“Carbon monoxide is a gas that can kill quickly,” Gomez said. “It is called the silent killer because it is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating.”
Witness recalled seeing the children listless by the pool that morning. A house keeper who noticed them and ran to help was said to have experienced the effects, too. Some claimed to have seen her lose consciousness.
Such a reaction occurs because carbon monoxide starves the body’s cells of oxygen, creating problems like difficulty breathing, chest pain, coma and confusion.
Certain organs within the body remain more sensitive to low levels of oxygen, such as the brain and the heart, Gomez said.
“In the brain this may result in cognitive defects, especially affecting memory, learning and movement disorders,” Gomez said.
Time is critical in reducing the long-term damage to the individual exposed, Gomez said. Long-term damage to organs such as the brain and the heart, which are more sensitive to oxygen depletion, can occur and could lead to problem with memory, learning and movement.
Emergency responders who arrived at the scene Saturday worked quickly to save the children. Six of the children were transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Bryan Watts, a 13-year–old, succumbed to overexposure to carbon monoxide and was pronounced dead on arrival.
Gomez said a person’s age, health and the amount of time exposed to carbon monoxide all play a role in determining the impact.
“There is no a rule to determine the exact time that we need to be exposed to be intoxicated,” Gomez said. “Everything depends of the concentration and time of exposure.”
The tragedy is a harrowing reminder to be aware of carbon monoxide and its potential to harm. Carbon monoxide is emitted from any fuel burning appliance, including furnaces, boilers, gas stoves and ovens, fireplaces, water heaters, as well as smoking.
Detectors cost only around $20 and can be found at a variety of hardware stores.
For first responders and friends and family of those impacted by the leak, another effect is grief.
The Niles Community Schools will have doors open from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday to offer grief support to students and their families.
The crisis response team will be available. Hours will be extended if necessary.
Those with additional questions can call Rich Klemm if needed at (269) 683-0736 ext. 10005.