By Michael Davidson
Daily Camera
BROOMFIELD, Colo. — By the time Michael Lombardi learned about the dangers of carbon monoxide it was too late. The 36-year-old Broomfield resident was found dead at his home on Jan. 21.
Lombardi’s family believes he was killed by a build up of carbon monoxide gas released by a generator he was using to heat and power his home.
“I don’t think he knew it produced carbon monoxide,” said his niece Lisa Ruscitti.
Now his family is working to make sure no one else suffers the same lethal lesson.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that when inhaled is easily absorbed by the bloodstream. It replaces oxygen and slowly poisons its victims.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often referred to as a silent killer because it kills many in their sleep, and its symptoms, which include headaches, fatigue, drowsiness and nausea, are easy to overlook before a person loses consciousness.
“I don’t know if you’d recognize it if you’re awake if you didn’t really know the symptoms,” said Wendy Forbes,
spokeswoman for North Metro Fire Rescue District.
About 500 people nationwide and about nine people in
Colorado die each year of carbon monoxide poisoning. During the winter, North Metro firefighters and paramedics respond to about 10 carbon monoxide poisoning calls a month, Forbes said.
A number of recent deaths in Colorado have been attributed to the gas. In November, a family of four was found dead at a vacation house in Aspen, and in January a University of Denver student died in her apartment. Investigators suspect faulty heating systems were to blame in both instances.
The gas is produced by any fuel-burning device. Improperly installed furnaces or gas ap
pliances can release the gas, which also can be found in engine exhaust.
Lombardi was killed along with his two dogs. Police found him in his garage near the generator. The coroner has not yet confirmed cause of death, according to Broomfield police.
“I think he might have put it in there to keep from disturbing the neighbors,” Ruscitti said.
Ruscitti believes he was attempting to turn off the generator.
“His hand was on the plug to turn off the generator,” Ruscitti said.
Lombardi’s family called him a very happy guy who loved the outdoors and had a smile that could light up a room. They’re having a hard time coping with their loss.
“It’s devastating. Every day you wake up thinking it’s not real,” said Lydia Martinez, Lombardi’s sister.
They’re coping by trying to spread the word about the danger posed by the gas and getting people to buy detectors.
Lawmakers are taking up the issue as well. A bill mandating the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in new houses and apartments and homes that are being sold or being rented to new tenants is making its way through the Legislature. The state House of Representatives approved it Tuesday, sending it to the Senate.