Tinley KinderCare Kids Exposed To High CO Levels

TINLEY PARK, IL — Children at a Tinley Park KinderCare center were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide Thursday afternoon, but were treated and are expected to be in good condition, officials said.

Emergency crews reported to the KinderCare at the 7900 block of 175th Street just after 5 p.m., ABC 7 reported. Tinley Park Emergency Management Director Pat Carr told the news outlet that high levels of the chemical were found in the building. The source is not yet known.

None of the children were taken to the hospital.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas, and lower levels of exposure can produce symptoms that look like the flu. Symptoms of poisoning include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue.

According to the Village of Tinley Park's website, heating equipment is the leading cause of carbon monoxide-related incidents. About 40 percent of Tinley's emergency calls related to the problem happen from November to February when residents have their heart on. About 97 percent of all incidents occur in residential buildings, the village reported.