Gene Hackman's Family Suspects Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Behind The Deaths; Why Is the Gas Dangerous?

Gene Hackman's daughter Elizabeth says she suspects the death of her father, mother, and their dog could be due to inhaling carbon monoxide. This odourless, colourless gas takes hundreds of lives each year and makes even more people sick.

The 95-year-old Hollywood legend and Betsy Arakawa, 64, a classical pianist, were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. A spokesperson from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has said no foul play is suspected at this time and causes of death have not yet been determined. However, investigations are going on.

The police have confirmed that the investigation remains open, as the exact cause of death has not yet been determined. While no signs of visible trauma were found, investigators are considering multiple possibilities, including accidental poisoning, natural causes, or even foul play. Officials secured a search warrant for the residence, allowing emergency services, including the fire department and gas company, to inspect the home for potential hazards.

According to reports, two of the couple’s dogs were found alive inside the house, deepening the mystery surrounding their deaths.

Carbon monoxide is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned, meaning accidental poisoning can occur when home appliances and systems like furnaces, kerosene heaters, stoves, lanterns, and generators produce fumes that people breathe in.

According to experts, most CO exposures happen in the winter in cold climates because of unvented space heaters in the home, a common source of poisoning. Many times, cases even occur after hurricanes or other storms when people rely on generators for emergency power that may not be vented properly.

A few symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Severe headache
• Dizziness and nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Chest pain
• Confusion

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms."

While anyone can be at risk for CO poisoning, infants, the elderly and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or breathing problems are more likely to get sick. If you experience these symptoms, doctors advise getting fresh air and seeking emergency care immediately.

According to the US Environment Protection Agency, even though CO poisoning can be fatal, it is also preventable with the use of detector devices, which should be separate for each floor of the home. "If you are getting a single detector, place it near the sleeping areas and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake you up," the EPA notes.

In addition to detectors, the CDC, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and other public safety advocates have several other recommendations, including:

Never run a car in an enclosed area like a garage. Even if the garage door is open, do not start a vehicle if the garage is attached to a home.

Make sure to keep fireplaces clean and in good condition, and there should be no debris blocking the vents or chimney.

Heating systems, water heaters, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances should be cleaned and serviced every year and kept in well-ventilated areas.

Never use these for heating a room.

Do not use generators inside a home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. They should be placed outside, more than 20 feet away from any windows or doors.

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