I-Team: CO detectors in schools

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - An NBC News investigation found most schools in our country aren't required to have carbon monoxide detectors.

However, the 22News I-Team did some digging and found some of our schools here in Western Massachusetts have them voluntarily.

Some schools have them, but not all.

Carbon Monoxide can be deadly and because of that some people think Beacon Hill should consider making it mandatory schools have detectors.

It's a traumatic scenario for any parent, as dozens of students in Atlanta Georgia were hospitalized Monday after their school filled up with carbon monoxide.

Turns out, this can happen anywhere, as most states don't require carbon monoxide detectors in schools.

Surprising news to some people.

"Any where kids have to be I would think they need them. You would think anyway," said Chicopee's Richard Clapp.

An NBC News investigation found only 2 states in our country have laws that require schools have carbon monoxide detectors. Massachusetts isn't one of them, however 22News discovered some of our local schools are taking safety precautions.

After calling around, the 22News I-Team found newer buildings, like Chicopee Comprehensive High School, have sensors built into their air filtration systems.

"If there is an issue and carbon monoxide reaches too high of a limit, it does push outside air into the building to make sure those levels are balanced," Chicopee Comprehensive High School Principal Derek Morrison said.

Chicopee is joined by Springfield, Easthampton and Hadley that all claim to have CO detectors in their schools.

While districts like Frontier Regional, Longmeadow and Palmer admit they don't.

Westfield Fire Chief Mary Regan says some schools with after school programs in Westfield have carbon monoxide detectors but she'd like to see them all get protected.

"It's definitely something that I think needs to be addressed and looked at even in this state," Chief Regan said.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning causes flu-like symptoms such as headaches dizziness and nausea.