Natural gas pipeline explosion left at least four people dead, and brought renewed calls for uniformed regulations.

A 102 year-old woman was left seriously injured today (wed) when a gas stove exploded at her home after being left on overnight.
Pensioner Annie Boyd suffered burns to her face, hands and arm following the blast in Edinburgh which happened at around 6am.
It was thought a light being switched on caused a spark which in turn ignited gas which had built up after a hob was left on as she slept.
The force of the blast was powerful enough to blow out windows at the rear of the property and an oak door.
Shards of window were thrown as far as other neighbours gardens from the ferocity of the explosion which also caused a small fire.
Fire-fighters evacuated the OAP from her ground floor flat in the Falcon Gardens area of Morningside into a waiting ambulance
She was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where doctors were still tending her wounds and trying to prevent infection.
Neighbours said that Ms Boyd, who is registered as having lived at the property for almost 30 years, lost much of her hair in the blast.
A friend who was first on the scene but asking not to be named said he heard her cries for help after being woken by the noise.

Gas Explosion in Lexington Home
Fire investigators now know what caused an explosion in a Lexington home. It happened just before 9 a.m.on Morgan Avenue today. Investigators say a corroded gas line caused a leak.
They say the woman who lives there was trying to light her stove with a match, which ignited the gas and caused the explosion. Firefighters say the woman living in the home had to be taken to the hospital, but is expected to be okay.

The natural gas explosion on West 83rd Street injured at least three people and damaged 57 nearby buildings. "I'm surprised there haven't been more explosions," Polensek said. "We're very fortunate no one has gotten killed."
Polensek and his colleagues on council armed the city with an ordinance in June 2008 that Councilwoman Dona Brady proposed after a smaller explosion damaged a home on Cleveland's West Side. A gas leak caused that explosion after thieves stole a stove.

Atmos Energy officials are still digging through the remains of this home trying to pin down the exact cause of a gas leak, which ignited the explosion last week. The charred remnants of the home serve as a reminder of how dangerous gas can be.
Do not take the smell of gas lightly. Leave the area; don't call from the home. Don't turn on any switches and call your gas companies emergency number from a safe distance outside of the area.
"We deliver safe natural gas to our customers the best we can and we ask if you do have a problem or smell gas, give us a call."
The injured resident of that home, is still in the burn intensive care unit. The road to recovery will be a long one.

Jan 25, 2010:   Officials Searching For Answers In Gas Explosion

Atmos Energy officials are still digging through the remains of this home trying to pin down the exact cause of a gas leak, which ignited the explosion last week. The charred remnants of the home serve as a reminder of how dangerous gas can be.
     
 Do not take the smell of gas lightly.  Leave the area; don't call from the home. Don't turn on any switches and call your gas companies emergency number from a safe distance outside of the area.

"We deliver safe natural gas to our customers the best we can and we ask if you do have a problem or smell gas, give us a call."

The injured resident of that home, is still in the burn intensive care unit. The road to recovery will be a long one.

 

Home explosion blamed on natural gas

Last Updated: Thursday, January 21, 2010 | 11:41 AM CBC News

Some of the debris from the home was blown by the blast right off the property. (Erin Collins/CBC)

Fire investigators are blaming natural gas for an explosion that destroyed a southeast Calgary home earlier this week.

January 18, 2010: New Jersey Gas Explosion Forces Over 50 Home Evacuations

EDISON, N.J. (AP)  -- A house in Edison was leveled in a gas explosion, forcing the evacuation of more than 50 homes and businesses, but authorities said blast injured no one.

 

February 23, 2009: Oil Back to $38 a Barrel:

Some expect OPEC will cut production at its March 15th meeting attempting to raise oil prices above $40 per barrel and to respond to the worldwide weak demand for oil.

February 12, 2009: Oil Dips Below $34 a Barrel:

Prices slid because of growing doubts that the $789 billion stimulus package will reinvigorate the economy and demand for energy. Crude supplies reached an 82-week high last week, according to the Department of Energy.

There are some signs that the U.S. oil usage may bottom out around August 2009.

February 10, 2009: Oil Dips Below $38:

On Tuesday, Kuwait's new oil minister said he expects crude prices to tumble further in the coming weeks and perhaps beyond.Oil prices seem to be inching lower. OPEC is scheduled to meet March 15th.

January 30, 2009: House Explodes Because of Natural Gas Leak:

State Police Fire Marshals Russ Andress and Steve Kareski with Police Chief Tim Trently investigate 249 Main St., where an explosion blew a wall from a house Thursday night. Michael J. Mullen/Staff Photographer

January 29, 2009: 100 Gallons FREE Oil - Citizens Energy Link.

Paragon Oil is participating in this program. It's Free to apply and easy to do. Last year it took 4 weeks to 12 weeks for the vouchers to be processed by Citizens Energy. Please list Paragon Oil Company on your application. (Online or Phone Applications are available only from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m)

Individual Households How to Apply: Beginning January 19, 2009, families that need heating assistance can call the Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program’s toll free hotline, 1-877-JOE-4-OIL (1-877-563-4645) or apply online to complete an application.  Citizens will notify households/families via mail on their application status.  Qualified families will receive a one-time delivery of up to 100 gallons of heating oil.  To receive a delivery during the 2009 winter season, Citizens Energy must receive all applications and requests for processing by February 27, 2009.
Apply Online

Families can apply directly online by clicking the link below.  We encourage families to use this feature for faster program enrollment.

at www.citizensenergy.com/english/pages/13/individual-households

Buildings The Citizens Energy/CITGO Buildings Program provides grants to qualified low-income large-scale apartment buildings to purchase heating oil and retrofit buildings to improve their energy efficiency.  Last year, we provided more than 4 million gallons of heating oil to more than 750 low-income buildings, reaching nearly 50,000 households.

The Oil Heat Building Program reached multi-tenant buildings in New York City, New Jersey, and Maryland that provide affordable housing to low-income families. The program benefits buildings and tenants by providing free heating oil and capital for energy efficiency building improvements. See www.citizensenergy.com/english/pages/30/buildings

January 28, 2009: Oil Speculators manipulating prices. LOBBY YOUR SENATORS TO PASS LEGISLATION.

U.S. Congressional leaders proposed legislation to curtail speculation as rising oil caused gasoline to reach $4 a gallon last summer.

Legislation to limit speculative trading was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2008 though the Senate failed to bring its version to a vote.

Speculators,index funds and other investors have increased their trading. Trading volume in New York rose to a record last year averaging almost eight times daily global oil production.

Tell your elected Congressional and Senate representatives "we need to reduce the role of excessive speculative activity in the energy markets to lower oil prices".

January 15, 2009: Oil Went Below $33.50 Per Barrel Today

 

January 14, 2009: Natural Gas Explosion Kill One, Destroys House

see www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1540462.html

In 2006 the gas company repaired a leak in the gas main beneath Paana's front yard. Workers dug up the front yard, yellowish grass and all. Paana made sure to follow instructions for care of the new sod, Paana-Hicks said. But it wasn't long before the new grass lost its green.

• 

  HECTOR AMEZCUA/Bee file, 2008

  A neighbor's teddy bear memorial is seen Christmas Day on a fence surrounding the Rancho Cordova home of Wilbert Paana, who was killed when a gas explosion destroyed his house on Dec. 24. A gas line leak in the front yard is blamed.

Within seconds, Sunny and Kimberly Dickson, 44, would emerge from a fiery explosion scarred for life. Wilbert "Bill" Paana, 72, would be hurled onto the street, fatally injured beneath the rubble of his freshly repainted home of 31 years.

The new details still do not explain why the gas company didn't evacuate residents in the 3½ hours it searched the cul-de-sac for the source of the gas scent.

January 13, 2009: EIA Oil Price Predictions for 2009 and 2010

The Energy Information Administration predicts: Residential heating oil prices during the current (2008-09) heating season are projected to average $2.48 per gallon, a reduction of 25 percent from the 2007-2008 heating season.

Prices are projected to average $43 per barrel in 2009 and $55 in 2010.  Economic recovery is projected to begin in 2010

January 8, 2009: 2008 Oil Recap and What is Next

2008 oil recap. and what is next by Steve Austin - 2009/01/05 see www.oil-price.net/

It took only 5 months for the price of oil to plummet from $150 to under $40 in the second part of the year. Meanwhile oil consumption did not even decrease 10%, so what is the real cause of this collapse you may ask?

Hedge funds. Let me explain.

During the first part of 2008, Western economies were already slowing down noticeably and hedge funds gradually pulled trillions of dollars out of the market and parked them in energy ETFs. At the time Chindia's insatiable thirst for oil and the "decoupling" of east/west economies had many believe commodities were a "sure thing", a sound enough tangible insurance to protect overinflated assets scavenged from made-up bubbles. On top of that, by using leverage, profits were multiplied as oil went up, not a bad deal in a recession.

But when the banking industry collapsed, hedge funds had to raise cash by "deleveraging", liquidating their leveraged energy ETF positions sending the price of oil tumbling. Anecdotally shorting of banking ETFs was suspended by the US Securities Commission during that time but not shorting of energy prices, and the leverage mania soon found an escape route in utrashort oil ETFs, compounding the speed of this downward spiral. By December 2008 the oil price had collapsed 75% and frankly, who would complain about cheap gas these days?

As we enter 2009 the oil landscape has reversed dramatically from a year ago. The price of oil is lower than production costs and new exploration projects are being cancelled. China flush with cash is currently buying all the oil it can get its hands on to pump into its strategic reserves. Once arrogant OPEC countries are willing to sell oil at any price to fund government programs and prevent political instability.

One constant however is the depletion of major oil fields, worse than predicted at 9.1% year over year as we close 2008. It's a matter of of when not if the economy recovers and when it does, expect a strong bounce back in the price of oil.

January 7, 2009: Oil Futures Tumbled 12%

Crude oil for February delivery fell $5.95 to $42.63 a barrel because inventories of crude oil rose 6.68 million barrels to 325.4 million barrels.

Due to Contango trading (stockpiling oil now becase oil prices on futures contracts are higher) it is expected that there will be stockpiling. When the storage capacities are filled up, if demand is still down due to economy, oil prices should decrease further. We may test new lows. This may or may not last throughout 2009.

It is expected that in 2010 oil prices will rise when the worldwide economic situation improves.

January 4, 2009: Lifting Drilling Restrictions Could Replace 20%- 60% of Imported Energy and Help America Become Energy Independent

An ICF International study estimates - lifting drilling restrictions off U.S. shores, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and The Rockies, would increase production (of non-imported crude oil) by 36 percent by 2030, and production of natural gas rising 10 percent. That comes out to about 2 million additional barrels of oil and 5.3 billion additional cubic feet of natural gas per day, which could replace 20 percent of U.S. oil imports and 61 percent of natural gas imports.

These resources would bring the United States closer to energy independence and keep $4 trillion in the U.S. instead of transferring it to foreign oil rich countries.

January 1, 2009: Paragon Oil Customers Saved $.45 Per Gallon

According to the New York State Energy Research Development Authority for the New York City Monthly Average Home Heating Oil Prices chart, Paragon Oil Customers paid about 45 cents less per gallon for home heating oil. You too can save, order as heating oil as needed or sign up for automatic delivery with auto pay, and not have to even think about oil.

December 28, 2008: NY Family Escapes Natural Gas House Explosion

A New York family of four managed to step out of their house seconds before it exploded on Long Island Sunday. Fire crews were responding to a natural gas leak at the Amityville home when it erupted. Sunday night, the tenants and Brown's children stepped outside to call police and the fire department about a gas smell and were walking back toward the house when it exploded A National Grid spokeswoman said the company supplies the house with natural gas and declined further comment.

Remember if you smell gas leave your house IMMEDIATELY go outside and call from an outside phone a safe distance away. Do not turn off/on light switches as the small spark could be enough to cause the natural gas to ignite.

December 23, 2008: Saudi Arabia Projects Lower Oil Prices for 2009

The Saudi 2009 budget suggests an assumed price of around $43 a barrel for U.S. crude and $37 a barrel for Saudi oil,

December 22, 2008: Help America Become Energy Independent and Help Lower Oil Prices Too.

Since America uses 25% of the world's energy, a small reduction by Americans can have a large effect on prices.

If you drive a smaller fuel efficient car, car pool or use mass transit, you will help America become more independent of Foreign Oil prices by reducing demand and help lower oil prices.

Make your home or business more energy efficient. You may qualify for government grants to weatherize your home. Contact our office or HEAP.

Turn your thermostat down, especially when you are not going to be home for hours. You can save a lot if you use a programmable themostat with 4 different settings (wake, leave, return,sleep) that uses adaptive technology to automatically adjusts the boiler.

Use plastic to seal leaks around doors and windows. All external doors should have good weatherstripping. Some people have weatherstripping (or door sweeps) on both sides of doors.

Fix leaky faucets, especially hot ones. Hot water is typically 20 - 25% of your home heating expense.

Use solar where fiscally prudent. Its available to heat air, water, and make electricitry. Dow Corning is betting that the volume of solar uses will dramatically begin to increase around 2012 and is making very large investments in equipment for production.

Since America uses 25% of the world's energy, a small reduction by Americans can have a large effect on prices.

December 19, 2008: Oil Went Below $33.50 Per Barrel This Morning.

The drop in oil prices “threatens investment” and is “wreaking havoc,” Saudi Arabia’s Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said today at a conference in London. “A number of upstream projects have already been canceled or delayed.” The deepening global recession is causing less demand for oil and lower prices. Japan lowered its target for the overnight lending rate to 0.1 percent from 0.3 percent and said it would buy corporate debt as a deepening recession chokes off funding for businesses.

December 18, 2008: Oil Slides Below $36 Per Barrel. Oil at $25 Per Barrel Possible.

OPEC first announced 4.2 million barrels production cut and later clarified it as 2.2 million additional barrels. The smaller number came as a dissappointment and oil prices fell.

"Kazakhstan May Lose 1.2 Billion in Revenue With Oil at $25 Per Barrel."

JP Morgan Chase reduced its 2009 average oil price forecast to $43 a barrel and said $25 a barrel is “hard to dismiss amid a serious deterioration of economic conditions."

December 17, 2008 Oil Slides Below $40 Per Barrel - OPEC Cut Seen Too Little

Benchmark crude prices fell as low as $39.88, a price last seen in July 2004 and a clear sign investors are more worried that the world is heading for a long and painful recession in which energy use will continue to erode.

OPEC agreed to cut 2.2 million barrels per day of output starting January 1. OPEC is desperate to halt the slide in prices with economists predicting 11 of OPEC's 12 members, as well as big producers Russia and Mexico, will face budget deficits with crude oil at $40 a barrel.

OPEC's cuts could bolster prices in the longer run if members comply and demand falls less than expected.

December 15, 2008: Oil Could Drop to $30 Per Barrel

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. predicts crude may slide to $30 from $46.28 today.

“There is a real danger of oil going down to $30 a barrel unless OPEC acts boldly and decisively,” said David Hufton, managing director of PVM Oil Associates Ltd. in London,

Oil could fall below $25 next year as the recession limits demand, Merrill Lynch commodity strategist Francisco Blanch in London said Dec. 4. Benjamin Dell, an oil analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. in New York, said it may take a year for prices to rebound.

When will oil prices rebound ? “Investors should focus on three signals, a recovery in U.S. gross domestic product, a return to positive global oil consumption and a stabilization in the U.S. dollar,” Dell wrote Dec. 10. “We expect all three by late 2009.”

“What OPEC needs to do is prevent a glut from forming in global inventories. That’s what led you to $9 a barrel in 1998.”

December 10, 2008: Predicted Middle 2009 Price Range $60 - $70 Per Barrel

"We're probably in the early stages of forming a base at the moment, and the price will likely edge up toward $60 or $70 by the middle of next year," Hassall said. "We probably overshot on the downside the same way we overshot to the upside earlier this year." said Toby Hassall, an analyst at investment firm Commodity Warrants Australia in Sydney.

December 4, 2008: $25 Per Barrel Oil Could Happen - If The Economy Gets Worse.

Written by Matthew Hougan

Thursday, 04 December 2008 12:46

Jim: You said that oil will go to $100/barrel before it hits $25/barrel. I'm not so sure. The reason I'm confident that the Dow Jones industrial average will top 10,000 before it hits 6,000 is that stocks are a leading indicator. They anticipate recoveries, typically turning upward 6-9 months before the economy as a whole. We are already one year into the recession, so I'm guessing we are getting close to the point where stocks will turn the corner. When you add in the fact that valuations and yields are the most attractive I've seen in my adult investing life, the outlook for equities is quite good. Oil, on the other hand, reflects mostly immediate, near-term supply and demand. If the economy gets worse before it gets better, stocks might see the light at the end of the tunnel, but oil won't. It can't. Prices will keep falling as demand deteriorates in real time and the current supply glut gets worse. Remember, oil is expensive to store. For the most part, it won't just sit around waiting to be used if there is a lack of demand. (Some can be stored, but not that much). It must be sold and used at whatever the current clearing price is.

December 2, 2008: Oil Hits A 3 Year Low. Prices are Predicted to rise in February.

"The big move for 2008 is over," said Tom Kloza, publisher and chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service. Prices may fall a few more cents this month and then likely waver into February before beginning to move higher, he said.

It may be a good time to fill up now and take advantage of our low prices.

November 27, 2008: Natural Gas - Safety Issues You should Know About.

Natural Gas Safety Issues You Should Know About

See our news section for the following dates:

Oct 14, 2008 Natural Gas – The Most Dangerous Toxin in Your Kitchen

Oct 12, 2008 Natural Gas Explosion

Sept 30, 2008 Natural Gas Explosion

Sept 14, 2008 Natural Gas Explosion

Jul 17, 2008 Natural Gas Explosion Levels House

Apr 14, 2008 Natural Gas: "Health Hazards They Don't Want You to Know About!"

6 people tell their story.

Apr 3, 2008 Natural Gas Explosion Levels Westchester Home

Feb 26, 2008 Natural Gas Leak Building Explodes

Jan 16, 2008 Natural Gas Explosion Flattens Home

Jan 9, 2008 Natural Gas Explosion

Nov 21, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion – Queens home

Nov 19, 2007 Natural Gas Dangers – Chemicals – Cancer – Radon- Benzene – Tolulene – Indoor Pollution

Oct 19, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion

Oct 7, 2007 Harlem Natural Gas Explosion – 4 Children Critical

Oct 6, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion of Manhattan Apartment Building Injures 20

Sept 18, 2007 Susceptible to The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Sept 17, 2007 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning A Leading Cause of Accidental Death

Sept 15, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion –  Gas leaked into the sewer, into building

Sept 10, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion

September 10, 2007 : Carbon Monoxide Poisioning: How To Protect Yourself...

Excellent article – a must read.

Sep 3, 2007 Man injured in Natural Gas Explosion Dies- Burglars stole copper gas pipes

Aug 23, 2007 Carbon Monoxide: Silent Odorless Killer-  gas stoves, gas-line leaks, gas water heaters

Aug 17, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion – Home Exploded

Jul 3, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion

Jun 21, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion – Home Destroyed

May 18, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion

May 17, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion – 5 injured

Apr 23, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion

Apr 11, 2007 Natural Gas Explosion – 7 people in the hospital

Mar 31, 2007 Gas Explosion

April 25, 2005 Fatal Gas Explosion

May 2,  2002,  U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,  Release # 02-152 Recall to Repair of Gas Boilers

May 11, 1998,  U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,  Release # 98-107  Gas Boiler Recall,  (Last Revised November 23, 2005)

Jun 12, 1992  East Harlem Gas Explosion Kills Worker

1989  Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet - Consumer Protection Safety Commission Document #4466

 

November 26, 2008: Con Ed pays family $3,750,000 for Natural Gas Explosion That Killed Queens Matriach.

An 80-year-old cast-iron gas main broke. Fire Department and Con Ed crews checked reports of a gas odor for more than an hour when the blast ocurred. Federal safety experts said all cast-iron gas pipes should be removed. Con Ed, though, is replacing its 2,500 miles of cast-iron pipe at a pace of just 40 miles a year, said City Councilman Eric Gioia.

For more details see www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/11/25/2008-11-25_con_ed_pays_family_375m_for_gas_blast_th-2.html

November 20, 2008: Oil Prices Drop As Low As $48.50 Per Barrel.

Oil prices reach a new low of $48.50 per barrel.

Wednesday's weekly US Department of Energy (DoE) report on energy stockpiles had showed a sharp drop in fuel demand across the United States.

Crude oil prices have plunged almost two-thirds since striking record highs above 147 dollars in July as a global economic slowdown dents world energy demand.

Crude futures are likely to drop further to 43 or 44 dollars a barrel before rebounding along with the global economy next year, CFC Seymour Securities said in a report published on Wednesday.

November 10, 2008: Did you know In 1998 Oil Prices Hit A Low of $8 Per Barrel

It looks possible that oil will remain in the $50 to $70 per barrel trading range for the rest of the heating season.

November 6, 2008: Oil Prices Drop 7% on Recession Concerns

Today oil prices reached a low of $60.16 per barrel influenced by fears that a global downturn is dampening demand in developed economies.

Call Paragon Oil for the new lower prices.

The IMF lowered its 2009 baseline oil price projection to $68 a barrel.

November 4, 2008: Oil Prices Jump 10% on Saudi Production Cut

October 16th we reported "Consider filling up your oil tank VERY SOON." October 20th we reported "OPEC will cut production at its next meeting" U.S. crude oil settled at $70.53. Other OPEC members are cutting production. U.S. inventories are increasing. That means we are using less oil, which reduces demand.

October 29, 2008: Tell Your US Senator to CLOSE THE ENRON LOOPHOLE, Pass S3268 The Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act of 2008.

The bill addresses these things which have artificially inflated oil prices: Speculative limits and transparency of offshore trading. Elimination of manipulation and excessive speculation as a cause of high oil, gas, and energy prices.

The first part H.R 6604 was successfully passed on Sept 18, 2008.

October 20, 2008: Oil Price Forecast well below $70 a Barrel and may hit $50 for a short while.

Jim Kingsdale: I now expect that by year end we will see oil priced below $70.  It may have a short term move up then head back down. I doubt that an oil price much under $70 will be an equilibrium price - one that can stand for many months - because it will cause supply destruction based on higher marginal production costs.   But in the short term oil can stay down there or even go into the $50’s as some major firms are now predicting.  

October 16, 2008: Oil Prices Forecast $70 - $90 a Barrel for 2009. Oil prices Drop -Now down almost 50% from July. Consider Filling Up Your Oil Tank -Now.

Oil prices slid to a new 12-month low thereby increasing the chances that OPEC will cut production at its next meeting on Nov. 18.

Credit Suisse Group and Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. slashed their oil-price forecasts for next year as tightening credit conditions and slowing economic growth eroded fuel demand. Bernstein lowered its crude oil price forecast to $70 a barrel from $90 in 2009 and cut the 2010 estimate to $80 from $95 a barrel, according to a report today. Zurich-based Credit Suisse reduced its next-year estimate by 32 percent to $75.

Consider filling up your oil tank VERY SOON.

Next week we expect OPEC to cut production, causing upward pricing pressures. However if the economic conditions worsen, oil may continue to drift downward. Since July when it hit its all time high, oil is down 50%.

Call our office for the latest prices.

October 14, 2008: Natural Gas Safety - Do You Feel Worse in the Winter Months?

Natural gas has no smell to it. That rotten egg smell must be added to the gas so people can tell when gas is in the air. In the 1940s, there was no requirement for that smell to be added to gas. If you smell gas do NOT turn lights on or off. Do not use the phone in the area. Leave the area immediately and afterwards call the fire department.

Dr. Dolores Rapp, M.D. says that natural gas should not be used for cooking or heating. Many people are affected by it and don't realize it. If your home or water is heated by natural gas, or you cook with natural gas and feel worse during the winter months, this could be a cause. See an allergist that does P/N testing. Hidden alergies and slow carbon monioxide poisoning are hard to detect. See her book, Is This My Child. - Facinating reading on how to identify allergies without lab tests...

Gary Null. PhD. says the most dangerous toxin in most kitchens is Natural Gas. If you often have headaches and suspect they are more common when you spend time in the kitchen, try disconnecting your gas stove. If this makes a difference, consider replacing it with an electric oven. Or avoid the problem from the beginning and cook with an electric stove.

October 13, 2008: Oil Prices have dropped more.

Oil prices have gone down more. Call our office for the latest prices.

Paragon Oil is reccomending people switch to a floating oil pick up system for their oil tank. It helps to avoid clogged oil lines and filers. It picks up oil from the top of the tank, instead of the bottom of the tank.

October 12, 2008: Apartments Evacuated After Natural Gas Explosion.

A natural gas leak caused a small explosion in an apartment complex. Neighbors heard a boom and firefighters detected the odor of gas.

October 6, 2008: Home Heating Fuel Oil is Selling Below $3.00 a Gallon

Help Lower Oil Prices by Telling Congress to Eliminate the Enron Loophole.

Heating oil prices fell below the three dollar number. Lets hope it keeps going down. Paragon Oil makes cents per gallon and therefore would like to see oil prices closer to $1.00 a gallon than $4.00 a gallon.

You can help drive the prices lower, by telling your congressional representatives to eliminate the Enron loophole.

 

September 30, 2008:Gas Explosion, Homeowner Dies 2 Days Later

Natural gas line was installed at the property where the explosion occurred the day before the explosion. The homeowner suffered burns to 90% of his body. The investigation continues.

September 24, 2008: Avoid Clogged Oil Lines - Install a Floating Oil Pick Up - BEFORE IT GETS COLD!!!

Paragon Oil is reccomending people switch to a floating oil pick up system for their oil tank. It helps to avoid clogged oil lines and filers. It picks up oil from the top of the tank, instead of the bottom of the tank.

Oil settles with time. The cleanest lightest oil is on the top. The floating oil line is designed to take oil from near the top of the tank and designed to not go down to the very bottom of the tank. It is never a good Idea to go to the bottom of the oil tank. This device keeps the line about an inch above the bottom. It will effectively reduce the amount of oil usable from your tank by a small amount. That is the stuff on the bottom of your tank.

The oil at the bottom of every tank that has not been cleaned in 10 years has, more than likely, accumulated sludge. This is the stuff that cloggs filters and nozzels, causes erratic firing and other problems.

We reccomend folowing the european way of getting oil from the tank. By taking it from the top of the tank. That's where the cleanest oil is.

September18, 2008: H.R 6604 Passed.

The Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008 passed by a vote of 283 to 133. It was lead by the Petroleum Marketers Association of America.

You may not know that oil companies want to see lower prices because they work on pennies per gallon not a percentage markup. So America benefits, and homeowners benefit when oil is closer to $1 a gallon. Help keep the pressure up on your elected officials to close the Enron Loophole.

September 17, 2008:  Goldman Sachs slashes 2009 Oil Forecast by $25

Goldman cut its three-month forecast to $115 a barrel.

September 15, 2008:  Crude Oil Closes Below $100 a Barrel. Crude Oil Continues to Decline.

Oil prices extended their sharp decline on Tuesday, as financial worries cast a shadow on economic growth. In two days, oil has dropped $10 a barrel.

Oil closed under $100 a barrel for the first time since March 2008.

September 14, 2008:  Massive Natural Gas Line Explosion felt 12 miles away.

The Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department was quickly dispatched and responded to the scene to find flames approximately a half mile to three quarters of a mile high in the air by approximately 300 yards wide, un like anything anyone has ever seen or imagined that could happen in our county.

 

Natural Crude Oil Closes Below $100 a Barrel. Crude Oil Continues to Decline.

Oil prices extended their sharp decline on Tuesday, as financial worries cast a shadow on economic growth. In two days, oil has dropped $10 a barrel.

July 19, 2008:  Don't Be A Victim Fight Back.Help close the Enron Loophole and help lower energy prices.

The airline industry recently urged their frequent fliers to demand that Congress close the Enron energy trading loophole. Contact your congressional representative and join Paragon Oil in driving the price of oil DOWN.

The undersigned strongly urge Congress to take meaningful steps as soon as possible to address the distorted energy commodities market and stop any further decline in the U.S. economy. We offer our full support for your efforts.

Air Line Pilots Association
Airports Council International
Air Transport Association
American Association of Airport Executives
American Society of Travel Agents
American Trucking Associations
Associated Builders and Contractors
Business Travel Coalition
Cargo Airline Association
Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Federation of America
Industrial Energy Consumers of America
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Interactive Travel Services Association
National Air Carriers Association
National Farmers Union
New England Fuel Institute
Petroleum Marketers Association of America
Regional Airline Association

 

July 17, 2008:  Gas Explosion Levels House in Teaneck Killing Owner.

checking neighborhood earlier in day.

TEANECK, N.J. (AP) _ A violent explosion has leveled a three-story house in Teaneck, killing the man who lived there.

The explosion, which occurred at about 6:30 p.m. Thursday, is believed to have been caused by a natural gas leak.

Emergency workers recovered the body of the homeowner, 66-year-old Richard Haas, around 10 p.m. Haas lived alone in the house. The explosion started fires at three nearby houses, but they were quickly extinguished. Authorities say one neighbor was slightly injured. Neighbors say utility workers were in the area earlier Thursday checking on reports of a gas odor.

Feds Probe Possible Oil Price Manipulation By Speculators

Congress has pinpointed two major areas of concern. One is the rise in energy prices they say is resulting from fresh cash being invested in commodities. The second issue involves regulatory loopholes that allow speculators to operate in relative secrecy,

A senate subcommittee investigation last year found that hedge fund Amaranth Advisors LLC, had avoided trading limits, and that the excessive speculation raised homeowners' heating bills.
In March, the California Public Employees' Retirement System (Calpers), the largest U.S. pension fund, said it may increase its commodities exposure to $7.2 billion from less than $1 billion by 2010. These funds are speculators because they have no intention of taking delivery of oil, unlike airlines or trucking firms.
In testimony before the Senate in late May, hedge fund manager Michael Masters said investments in all funds tied to oil futures have risen to $260 billion, from $13 billion in 2003. This massive cash infusion, he noted, has coincided with higher energy prices.
"The practice of including investment banks in the commercial participant category calls into question the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) continued assertion that noncommercial participants, or speculators, follow rather than lead oil price movements," Sen. Jeff Bingaman wrote in a letter Tuesday.
To limit market access and make it more expensive for speculators to buy oil futures contracts, some Democrats in Congress propose to boost margin requirements to 50%, which is what stock investors pay. Currently, traders need to put down 5% to 7% in cash to buy a futures contract. That means a trader can control $10 million of future oil contracts by putting $500,000 to $700,000 down, says Daniel Clifton of Strategas Research Partners.
A report from TrimTabs Investment Research predicts oil prices would "collapse" if the margin requirement were raised to 25%.
"Excessive speculation on energy trading facilities is the fuel that is driving this runaway train in crude oil prices today," said Gerry Ramm, president of Inland Oil Company.

"We're paying, some believe, as high as a 50% premium to the pockets of speculators that are operating in markets that are completely unpoliced," said Michael Greenburger, a University of Maryland professor and former CFTC official. "At least 70% of the US crude oil market is driven by speculators and not people with commercial interests."

Paragon Oil says 1. tell your elected officials to pass laws to raise the margin requirements to 50%, and 2. Close the Enron loophole. This would reduce
speculation and lower oil prices.

June 16, 2008:  Fight High Energy Prices- Contact Senator Schumer.

Click Link Here

 

May 30, 2008:  Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 H.R.6.ENR Future Energy Use Standards. New energy standards of all types in Bill Number H.R.6 for the 110th Congress. It includes (LIHEAP) Low Income Heating Assistance Program funding, standards for bio-fuels, vehicles ,appliances and many others. See http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.6:

 

May 16, 2008:  Congress Approves Measure to Close"Enron Loophole"

 

May 11, 2008:  BUDGET PAYMENT PLAN Apply Today.

Paragon Oil is sorry for the high energy costs! We are trying to help lower your oil bills and offer the following option:

Get pre-approved for our BUDGET PAYMENT PLAN where you pay one low monthly amount all year round. The level payment plan helps avoid high bills in the peak winter months and frees up money for your end of year holiday needs! The sooner you apply- the lower the payments can be. Apply today.

May 1, 2008:  Bio Fuel ( Green Fuel ) is Coming Soon

In December, Congress passed an energy bill that mandates increasing ethanol production to 36 billion gallons a year by 2022 from 7.5 billion gallons in 2012, although 21 billion gallons are supposed to come from so-called cellulosic ethanol, such as switchgrass and wood chips, while the rest would come from corn.

We anticipate the government will soon mandate a bio blend for home heating oil for every one.This will be similar to the ethanol blend that is sold in NYC. In NY the gasoline pumps say 10% ethanol. This means 90 gasoline and 10% ethanol is in your gasoline. The bio fuel may be 2% 5% 10% etc.

Paragon Oil is evaluating bio fuel options for the near future. We would like to be able to provide an environmentally friendlier fuel at no additional cost.

 

April 14, 2008:  Natural Gas ="Health Hazards They Don't Want You to Know About!"

The Truth About Natural Gas

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/the-truth-about-natural-gas

Many customers of natural gas are aware of carbon monoxide and explosion but are not aware they can be poisoned by unburned natural gas.  Many gas companies are telling customers that it is safe and non poisonous but that is wrong.  Natural gas is mostly methane which is not considered poisonous, it is an asphyxiant, meaning it takes away oxygen and suffocates the living to death.  Chemicals that are listed as poisonous are added to the methane, making natural gas poisonous. 

# 89: Feb 26, 2008, L.D. Dodson , Virginia
Our street has been contaminate by the natural gas for at least 2 years, maybe more. I've lived in this house for 4 years. I lived on the street +3 years in another home. The forgetfulness and inertia is unexplainable at times, or so I thought. The gas company keeps saying it is fixed, but no, it is still here smelling like gas smells with all of its additives. They came out yesterday, last night today and still it smells just the same. Please Help me. I am powerless until I know what I can do. I refuse to be a victim of the natural gas company. thank you!

# 88: Feb 17, 2008, Robert Frisch , Virginia
I nearly lost my job because of natural gas. Over a few months I steadily became more affected with flu like symptoms, and extreme tiredness. I couldn't focus my vision very well, and my memory was damaged. Nausea, stomach aches, headaches. One day my neighbor smelled the gas and commented to the apartments maintenance man. Two gas leaks were found! Following repair, within a week I began to get my strength and energy back. Now I want to know the long term affects of this exposure. My concern stems from the fact that since this exposure, I have battled more sickness then ever in my life. It's nice to hear that no one wants to take responsibility to prevent, fix, or educate on this matter. Especially the government or gas companies. I suppose I need to do everyone's job for them?

# 87: Feb 15, 2008, Anonymous , Michigan
I asked DTE Energy to turn on the gas for 2 apartment units. The serviceman noticed right away of a gas leak in one unit since the meter was running quite rapidly with the furnace and gas oven turned off. I was asked to listen for the leak in the basement. Sure enough a cap was missing from a gas pipe, meant for a gas dryer. I almost fainted 10 minutes later, and continued to "almost" faint several times in the next few hours even after leaving the house for fresh air. I also continued to feel dizzy for the next few days. The DTE Energy serviceman also noticed a gas leak in the second unit. This time the gas meter was running very slow and would move after 5 min. He could not find the source of the gas leak after a few soap bubble tests. He shut off the gas to the unit, and recommended an air pressure test performed by a professional plumber to find the leak.

# 86: Feb 6, 2008, John Berg , Colorado
I had 3 natural gas leaks in my apartment. I called the gas company and they didn't find them. I am very sick, with migraine, nausea, loss of memory, digestive problems, and an inability to breath like I've never had before. I feel like I cannot breath anymore. Please contact me with information or questions I would love to talk about this. Laforzagopnig@Yahoo.com Thank you

# 72: Nov 14, 2007, John Torres , Tennessee
Natural gas kills, destroys, and hurts I lost my Grandmother who had many years left, she was strong in heart, mind and spirit She made it known shenew there was a problem and the gas company simply would say there was nothing wrong Finally as the qouging continues with the prices they finally decided to go back and fix a leak which theyjust so happen to find after the main complaintant falls ill and repair the leak truth be known the leak was probably never reported to EPA or DHEC or the Fire Dept. I hope to receive the required signitures on this petition and make the wrongs which were done to my family right even thogh we are late in saving my Grandmaother maybe I can help to save someone elses Grandmother so they atleast have the ability to learn as much as I have if not more from theirs. I LOVE YOU GRANDMA:) Johnn

# 70: Nov 13, 2007, Minerva Rivera , Pennsylvania
My Mother died from inhaling Gas from a leak on her street and everyone seems to cover up what has happen 12 human lives and 4 dogs have died already, so what Now who do we blame??? Well all in All the Goverment who tends to cover up everything that looks bad against them this must be looked into we do not need anymore death in this area.

See Roxannne's story at http://www.alkalizeforhealth.net/Lnaturalgas.htm Editor's note: Contaminants in natural gas (methane) may cause cancer.

April 3, 2008:  Natural Gas Explosion Westchester Levels House.

SCARSDALE, N.Y. (1010 WINS)  -- An explosion and fire leveled a nearly completed house under construction Thursday in a prosperous New York City suburb just after the smell of gas led to the evacuation of workers on the scene.

 

March 17, 2008:  Please Tell Your Congressperson to CLOSE THE ENRON ENERGY LOOPHOLE to LOWER OIL PRICES!  Help Lower Oil Prices.

Contact your Representatives and Senators today and tell them to support S.2058/H.R.4066 “the close the Enron Loophole act”.    A large part of the oil price is market speculation. Since Enron got trading requirements "eased" speculators have driven up prices to artificially high levels.  Closing the loophole will make it harder for speculators to artificially drive up the prices. Think of it as no margin requirements versus high margin requirements .

We know the public thinks that oil companies love high oil prices- but we don't! Oil companies work on a markup based on cents per gallon (not percent). When oil is closer to $1 per gallon it is better for us and better for you.  Besides we use lots of fuel and oil based products to operate our fleet of oil delivery trucks and service vehicles.

Please send us an email StopEnronLoophole@Paragonoilco.com and tell us you wrote your elected official to help lower oil prices. If you want we can put you on our email list  to keep you informed about this. Thanks for your help.

March 16, 2008:  Budget Heating Payment Plan for Level Monthly Payments. Join Now! 

The benesfit to you are, even monthly bills ( like the electric companys' level payment plan), it makes more money available for the end of year holiday spending and avoids large bills. It makes it more affordable to get through the coldest winter months without large lump sum bills.  Many people find it helps their budgeting process.

We will keep your oil tank filled up automatically, so you never have to worry about calling for an oil delivery again. 

Remember the Paragon Oil Budget Heating Payment Plan features one even payment every month. It makes it easy to get through the coldest winter months without one lump sum bill, avoids surprises of large bills in the winter. Wth this plan your account will be equalized during the month of August. 

JOIN OUR LEVEL PAYMENT PLAN, BEFORE WE STOP TAKING APPLICATIONS.

Mention you saw it on our website.

March 5, 2008: NYMEX Oil Prices Jumps $5.  Wholesale Oil Prices are now over $3.00 a gallon. Take Advantage of Our Budget Heating Payment Plan For Low Cost Billing Every Month

With Todays oil prices costing Paragon Oil over $3 a gallon, now more than ever,  you should sign up for the Paragon Oil Budget Heating Payment Plan where you make the same low payment every month. This allows you to get through the coldest months without a big energy bill and makes more money available for the end of year holiday spending. On this plan accounts will be equalized during the month of August.  It makes manging your energy costs much easier by having a smaller monthly bill.

People don't believe it - but - we wish oil was  closer to $1 per gallon. Please contact your elected official and tell your congress to close the Enron loophole that is helping to inflate oil prices. (See Jan 23, 2008 and November 27, 2007 news below).

 

February 26, 2008: Building Explodes After Natural Gas Leak, Leaves Only Injuries, Stories of Luck and Miracles.

GRAND RAPIDS – A natural gas explosion collapsed a two-story building, injured seven people and destroyed five businesses. Along with the gas leak in the building, a gas leak was detected under the road. A fire investigator suspected that a leaking gas line just outside the building filled it with natural gas before Tuesday's explosion.

 

February  17, 2008: Budget Heating Payment Plan for Low Cost Heating, Now Open.

The Paragon Oil Budget Heating Payment Plan features one low payment every month. Get through the coldest winter months without a big energy bill. Make more money available for the end of year holiday spending.  Avoid surprises of large bills in the winter. On this plan, your account will be equalized during the month of August.  TIP to simplify your life: Join  the Budget Heating Payment Plan and Automatic Delivery.

February  5, 2008: Long Term Reduction Of Coal for Power Plants Will Cause Natural Gas Prices To Rise. Reserves of natural gas already diminishing at drilling sites. By MATTHEW L. WALD

Stymied in their plans to build coal-burning power plants, American utilities are turning to natural gas to meet expected growth in demand, risking a new upward spiral in the price of that fuel.

But North American supplies of natural gas will be flat or declining in coming years, according to the Energy Information Administration. Some experts fear a boom in gas demand for electricity generation will send prices even higher. It has happened before: The price of natural gas tripled in the late 1990s and early in this decade, partly because so many companies built generators to use the fuel. In some places, the power plants became white elephants as higher gas prices made them too expensive to operate, compared with coal plants.

 

January  30, 2008: How Long Can My Old Oil Boiler Last? Should I Replace It?

"My point is that age does not necessarily mean it worn out. Many of our boilers are 50+ years old and usually the reason for failure is leaking pipes and gaskets. A common spot is the coil gasket area, for which we have a coil patch plate. You want to correct any leaks immediately because the worst thing that can happen to a boiler is adding fresh water."   RE: Oil Boiler Quotes  ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/hvac/msg091125056030.html?11

January  28, 2008: Call for New Lower Oil Prices.

Call the Paragon Oil office for up to date new lower prices. Now is the time to start thinking about joining our Budget Heating Level Payment Plan.

January  23, 2008: Oil Prices Are Heading Lower.

Call the Paragon Oil office for up to date new lower prices.  We wish they will go way down, and stay there.

Join The Oil Company That Is Fighting Against High Oil Prices - Help Fight The Oil Price Ripoff.

Click here to learn how energy traders and the Enron loophole are responsible for artificially high oil prices and tell congress to close the loophole.  Have all your friends join us in publicizing this fight.

January 21, 2008 Take Advantage of Our Budget Heating Payment Plan For Low Cost Billing Every Month

With the Paragon Oil Budget Heating Payment Plan you make the same low payment every month. This allows you to get through the coldest months without a big energy bill and makes more money available for the end of year holiday spending. On this plan accounts will be equalized during the month of August.

January  19, 2008:  Automatic Water Feeder - What is it?  What does it do?

An automatic water feeder is a convienience device to add water to the boiler with no fuss or bother. Why would I want to do that? Because water is lost in the process of making steam. If that water is not replaced the boiler can not make steam. If the low water cut-off does not function and you have little or no water - your boiler can crack, or worse. So people do not have an automatic water feeder and manually add water (every day or two).  The most popular manufacturer reccomends they be replaced every 10 or 15 years (depending on the model).

 

January  18, 2008:  How Often Should I Flush A Low Water Cut-Off?

During the home heating season, it is ideal to flush the low water cut-off every week. Flushing it until the water runs clear allows the rust and corrosion to leave the system. Removing sediment prevents clogging and helps prevent malfunctioning. The low water cut-off is a safety device to prevent the boiler from operating if there is not enough water. Rust and sediment interefere and cause problems. The rust and sediment comes from the inside of your radiators, pipes and minerals come from the water supply.

January  16, 2008:  Gas Explosion Flattens Home

By Keith Anderson, Editor

This home, located at 9330 Lennis Avenue, just south of Waconia off Old County Raod 10, was flattened Friday, Jan. 11 around 9:30 p.m. after an apparent gas leak caused an explosion that sent flames 25-30 feet into the air. Nobody was home at the time, but officials have estimated damage at $430,000. Photo courtesy of Waconia Fire Department Walls rattled, the TV shook and for an instant, Dan and Colleen Luedloff thought something had slammed into their rural Waconia home. One look out their front window, however, revealed that it wasn't their home that had been damaged, it was the house across the street. A natural gas explosion Friday, Jan. 11 around 9:20 p.m. flattened Wayne Koch's home, sending flames soaring 25 feet into the sky and rocking homes throughout the otherwise peaceful neighborhood south of Waconia. A small hole in the gas line may be to blame, but investigators are still trying to piece together the exact cause as well as what may have ignited the massive explosion. “They assured us that night that we were not in any immediate danger,” said Luedloff. Fire Chief Randy Sorensen said it appeared as though the gas leak was on the line leading to the home, not inside the home or at the service meter, but investigators have not ruled on that yet.

PARAGON OIL Customers Paid 40 Cents Per Gallon LESS According to the New York State Energy Research Development Authority for the New York City December Monthly Average Home Heating Oil Prices chart, Paragon Oil Customers paid about 40 cents less per gallon for home heating oil.

January  9, 2008: Natural Gas Explosion

Girl, 9, dies after gas explosion at house buries her in rubble

January  3, 2007:  Economy Billing Still Open... Lower Monthly Heating Costs.  

Keep your budget simple with our level billing plan. It evens out your costs and frees up money around the end of the year.  Many people find it helps them to manage their budget better and it helps keep their spending under control. Call our office for your application 888 685 7250.   Paragon Oil is here to help you.

December  5, 2007:  OPEC... Why Oil Prices Are Volatile. Help Fight High Oil Prices.

"Market fundamentals have essentially remained unchanged, with the market continuing to be well supplied and commercial crude/product stocks remaining at comfortable levels in terms of days of forward cover," OPEC said.

Still, OPEC said it was worried prices "remained volatile, in major part due to the perception of market tightness by market players, exacerbated by non-fundamental factors, including the heavy influx of financial funds into commodities and speculative activity in the markets, while geopolitical developments have contributed to price volatility."

Help Fight High Oil Prices.

Please see our November 27, 2007 News for the link to contact Congress and combat the cause of volatile prices as stated, "including the heavy influx of financial funds into commodities and speculative activity" causes a perception of market tightness. 

Contact Congress and tell them CLOSE THE ENRON LOOPHOLE.

 

Woman, 69, Dies From Injuries Suffered in Sunnyside,Queens Natural Gas Explosion, 200 evacuated.

By TIMOTHY WILLIAMS

A 69-year-old woman died yesterday, one day after a natural gas leak touched off an explosion in a residential neighborhood in Queens, leading a city councilman to call for an investigation into whether residents should have been evacuated more quickly.

Andrea Mohin/The New York Times

The Sunnyside, Queens, home that was the site of an explosion on Wednesday.

Several residents recounted how they had called the Fire Department and Consolidated Edison to report the gas odor at least an hour before the explosion. Ed Kilduff, a fire chief who had been at the scene, said Wednesday that Con Ed workers told firefighters that the situation was under control and that they were free to go.

In a statement yesterday, Con Ed said that a worker determined that the leak was coming from a cracked six-inch gas main in a manhole, but that the explosion occurred before the problem could be fixed.

The utility said one of its gas mechanics tested the ground and air outside the building while firefighters checked for gas inside. The blast appeared to have been caused by a leak from the cracked main, which sent natural gas into basements along the block before exploding.

November  28, 2007: Home Heating Oil Prices Are Going Down. Call Our Office for the Latest Prices.

Cheaper oil prices are on the way. The prices for oil just went down a lot, since yesterday. We believe they are now on the way down. We hope oil prices go way way down.

Please call our office for the latest price. You can get a close estimate by adding the cents per gallon over The Nymex Price (which is listed or you can find at www.nymex.com).  Nymex is the New York Mercantile Exchange which trades many commodities, see it 24/7.

 

November  27, 2007: Help Paragon Oil Fight For Lower Oil Prices - Learn Why Oil Prices Are Artificially High?

Fight The Oil Price Ripoff:  Click here to learn how energy traders and the Enron loophole are responsible for artificially high oil prices and tell congress to close the loophole.

Paragon Oil wants you to know that oil is marked up by pennies on a gallon and not by a fixed percent.  Paragon Oil wishes the oil prices were closer to $1 a gallon.

November  21, 2007: Queens Home Explosion -Natural Gas Leak Seven Injured

 

Yesterday afternoon, a gas explosion in a Sunnyside home burned a 67-year-old woman over 90% of her body. Six other people were also injured, as over 200 people needed to be evacuated and over a hundred firefighters responded.

Kunta Oza, who lives in a three-story at 41st Street and 48th Avenue, is at New York Hospital Burn Center in critical condition. WNBC reports that she "sent her grandchildren outside as a precaution. The move might have saved their lives." The leak came from a broken six-inch gas main. One resident said that the smell has been noticeable all week.

November  19, 2007: The Dangers Of Natural Gas-

MY STORY by Roxanne Bedford    http://www.alkalizeforhealth.net/Lnaturalgas.htm 

Natural gas, in its original state, contains radon and benzene, chemicals "known to the State of California to cause cancer." It also contains toluene, a chemical "known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm." Radon does not burn but is released with the combustion by-products.

With measuring criteria developed by EPA, the typical home burning natural gas produces more indoor pollution than any other source.

It's not just the volume of contaminated gas that's important, it's also the content of hazardous chemcials and the lack of quality that exposes us to the most harm.

November  6, 2007: Save Money On Heating Oil - Use Energy More Efficiently

Our "Services" page now has a chart showing savings for various improvements to save energy and lower your heating bills.  Paragon Oil wants to see lower oil prices and help save you money.

October 19,2007: Gas explosion kills 1, injures 4; destroys 2 homes

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Saturday, October 20th 2007, 4:00 AM

The explosion sent debris flying up as far as four blocks away.

A natural gas explosion destroyed two houses in Irvington, N.J., on Friday, killing a construction worker and critically injuring four others, authorities said.

Cops were investigating. "We believe there might have been a break-in, and someone may have hit a gas line. That's a theory we're investigating," Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith said.

The explosion erupted about 7:30 a.m., just after construction and security workers arrived at the newly built three-story home.

October 9, 2007: FREE Annual Tune Up - Very Successful.

There was a great response from almost everyone eligible for a FREE ANNUAL TUNE -UP, before the deadline expired for their free service!

Paragon Oil is encouraging people to get their equipment checked out and prepared, before the heating season beings. Paragon Oil still has the best prices on tune-ups and service.

A Con Ed spokeswoman said there was no immediate evidence of a gas leak, but utility crews were at the site to investigate.

 

October 6, 2007: Gas Explosion at NYC Apartment Bldg Injures 20; 4 Children Critical    By ADAM GOLDMAN | Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - An apparent gas leak caused a Manhattan apartment building to explode, injuring 20 people, four of them children who were critically burned, officials said.

The explosion blew out some of the 20-unit building's walls just after 4 p.m. in upper Manhattan's Harlem neighborhood, witnesses said. Residents said they heard the explosion blocks away, then screams.

September 18, 2007: Who Is Most Susceptible To The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Pregnant women, seniors, people who have or are affected by cardiovascular problems, Alzheimers, anemia, lung diseases, or any other condition affected by low oxygen levels are AT RISK at lower levels of carbon monoxide than levels "protected" by most carbon monoxide detectors.  The labels warn "

According to UL Standard 2034, home Carbon Monoxide Detectors must sound a warning before Carbon Monoxide levels reach 100 parts per million over 90 minutes, 200 parts per million over 35 minutes or 400 parts per million over 15 minutes.

September 17, 2007: Only A Few Days Left! Get A FREE Annual Tune Up- if you have a service contract:

An annual check-up conducted by a qualified heating and/or plumbing professional is the best way to keep your heating system in good working condition. Annual Tune Ups are still being performed Free of Charge (Spring Special) if you have a service contract. Send us an email to FREETUNEUP@paragonoilco.com to request your free tune up and tell us and tell us your 2 preferred days and times.

September 16, 2007: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning -One of the Leading Causes of Accidental DEATH:

In both recent Blacksburg leaks, malfunctioning gas-fed water heaters released the odorless, colorless and sometimes lethal gas. Such leaks are not uncommon.

Every year more than 500 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths. It kills about 480 people each year and sends another 15,200 to hospital emergency rooms.

September 15, 2007: Natural gas Explosion:

PHILADELPHIA, Miss. - A massive natural gas explosion leveled a clinic Saturday, injuring nine people. "Gas leaked into the sewer line and that's how it got in the building," Mayor Rayburn Waddell said.

September 10, 2007: Natural gas Explosion:

Natural gas appears to have played a part in a fiery explosion that destroyed a Highland home Saturday night, based on a preliminary investigation by the Highland Fire Department.

September 10, 2007 : Carbon Monoxide Poisioning: Protect Yourself...

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, non-irritant gas. It is the most common cause of fatal poisoning in Britain today. Poisoning by carbon monoxide is almost certainly underdetected. Children, pregnant women, babies, and individuals with a heart condition are those at most risk but CO poisoning can affect anyone. Where does carbon monoxide come from? Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as gas (domestic or bottled), coal, oil, coke and wood. Gas stoves, fires, heating boilers, gas-powered water heaters, paraffin heaters, and solid fuel-powered water heaters are all potential sources of carbon monoxide. The problem arises when such appliances are poorly maintained, not serviced and housed in poorly ventilated areas. When the waste products of combustion are not effectively removed, for example because of blocked flues and chimneys, then poisonous gas mixtures may re-enter the room. This problem is not just associated with older or poorer homes; it can also affect the occupants of newer homes with gas central heating. Exhaust fumes from cars is another obvious source. Domestic sources of carbon monoxide include: domestic heating systems blocked flues/chimneys inadequate ventilation in living areas inadequate ventilation in adjoining car garages leakage from faulty appliances and chimneys/flues. How is carbon monoxide formed? When any fire burns, in an enclosed room, the amount of oxygen available gradually decreases. At the same time the amount of carbon dioxide increases. As the amounts of these two gases change, this increasingly causes the combustion process to alter from one of complete combustion to one of incomplete combustion. This results in the release of increasing amounts of CO. This highlights an important issue. Even with perfectly designed and maintained heating appliances (or any kind of combustion device), they too will eventually begin producing dangerous amounts of CO if used in confined and poorly ventilated areas. Having poorly operating appliances, only makes the problem worse more quickly. Maintaining appliances and ensuring sufficient fresh air is available are two easy ways of avoiding potentially lethal scenarios. The commonest symptoms (with frequency of occurrence in brackets) include: headache (90 per cent) nausea and vomiting (50 per cent) vertigo (50 per cent) altering states of consciousness (30 per cent) weakness (20 per cent). The likely symptoms in adults, children and infants are shown in Table 1. Table 1: Likely symptoms of CO poisoning Symptoms Adult Child Infant General Dizziness, fatigue, weakness . Not feeling well Neurological Headache, drowsiness, disorientation, fits Headache, drowsiness, fits, uncoordinated movement . Stomach/intestine Nausea, vomiting, stomach pains Vomiting, stomach pains, anorexia, diarrhoea Loss of appetite Heart Chest pain, wheeziness, palpitations, hyperventilation Hyperventilation . How is carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosed? Individuals can either be exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide over a relatively short period of time (acute exposure) or to lower levels of exposure over a longer period of time (chronic exposure). Acute exposure is easier to diagnose as the symptoms are more pronounced, but it is the more common chronic exposure symptoms that are more subtle and difficult to tell apart from other conditions. Where whole families are affected by suspected 'food poisoning' this has been known to be due to carbon monoxide exposure. Where such symptoms are reported repeatedly, domestic carbon monoxide poisoning should be suspected. Clues that point towards a problem within the home include: more than one family member being affected symptoms appear or get worse when gas appliances are in use symptoms are worse in the winter when gas boilers/heaters are in use symptoms improve when family members are not at home, but recur on their return. Important information can also be obtained by inspecting gas-operated heating appliances within the home. Relevant points include: black soot marks on gas fire burners or on walls near cookers, boilers, gas fires a yellow gas flame colour, rather than the blue colour it should be.

September 3, 2007 : Man Injured In Natural Gas House Explosion - Dies - Funeral Set For Thursday.

POSTED: 2:44 pm CDT September 3, 2007 ONAWA, Iowa --

The Monona County Sheriff's Office said Mr. Thelander had plugged in a fan to help vent fumes from a propane line leading to the furnace, which had been cut. Authorities said they believed burglars were stealing copper lines from the house and had cut the gas lines before fleeing.

August 23, 2007 : Carbon Monoxide: A Silent, Odorless Killer

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is found in combustion fumes, such as those made by cars and trucks, lanterns, stoves, gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these fumes can build up in places that don't have a good flow of fresh air.

What are symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning? At low concentrations, CO exposure may cause fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, it can cause impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion and nausea. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.

What are the main sources of carbon-monoxide poisoning? A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis of nonfatal carbon-monoxide cases from 2001to 2003 identified the main sources of exposure as furnaces, motor vehicles, gas stoves, gas-line leaks, gas water heaters, generators, space heaters and machinery.

How can I protect myself? Make sure combustion equipment is properly maintained. Also, as precautions: --Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.

August 17, 2007 : Natural Gas Explosion - Questar Gas may be fined.

S. Springs explosion may draw fines for Questar Gas

Daily Herald

Questar Gas may face a fine over an explosion in Saratoga Springs that killed two people in February. The state Public Service Commission has received a recommendation from the Utah Division of Public Utilities for a $40,000 fine, the Associated Press reported. Darren Shepherd, Questar Gas spokesman, told the Associated Press that the fine request is premature. According to police, on Feb. 6, work crews punctured a natural gas line in the Sunrise Meadows neighborhood in Saratoga Springs. Questar employees repaired the 2-inch plastic gas line that serves the neighborhood and then evacuated nearby homes while searching for gas. Saratoga Springs resident April Roper, 24, went with Questar employee Larry Radford into her home to turn on the water heater and furnace. The home exploded a few minutes later. The Associated Press reported that the division claims that the company didn't follow safety standards by allowing April Roper to go into her house before making sure it was safe. "An effective response would have determined the presence of gas in the house prior to the explosion," the Associated Press quoted from an Aug. 6 letter the division wrote to Questar. "An effective response would have not permitted Mrs. Roper to enter the house until there had been a definitive documented finding that the house was safe." April Roper's husband, Greg, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Qwest, Questar Gas Company, S & E Cable, Angilau Communications & Construction and Niels Fugal Sons Co. The complaint alleges that Questar knew the dangers or could have known them if it had tested for natural gas in the area. It also said that April Roper should not have had to go back into the home to turn on her pilot light. Greg Roper's complaint outlines a chain of events that reportedly led to the explosion. The first was when Qwest hired S & E Cable, which the complaint says was "not a licensed contractor and not properly trained or equipped to correctly and safely perform the work." The complaint claims that the sole employee working for S & E Cable ruptured a gas line, causing natural gas to be discharged into the ground around the Roper home. Because the employee was alone, there were delays before Questar was called. Two hours after the gas line rupture, five Questar employees arrived. Instead of turning the gas off, the complaint alleges that gas was pumped around the Roper property for another hour. When the Questar employees arrived, they asked April Roper to turn off her gas appliances, and when told the leak was fixed, she went inside to turn them back on, accompanied by Radford. The house was filled with natural gas and likely lighting the furnace killed April Roper and Radford, according to the lawsuit. This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D1.

August 15, 2007:   Tune Up - Reminder.

Tune up your heating equipment once a year, for preventative maintenence, efficiency and longevity, just as you would do a tune up for your car.

Get your ANNUAL TUNE-UP while the special is still running.  Contact Paragon Oil Company for details and schedule a tune up before the end of August.

July 18, 2007:   Do you need 1000 gallons, or more, of oil in Staten Island?

If you do, contact Paragon Oil Company or  si1000gallons@paragonoilco.com.

July 3, 2007:   Natural Gas Explosion Evacuates Apartment Complex.

A natural gas explosion at an apartment four-plex has forced the evacuation of about 100 nearby residents and sent one firefighter to the hospital. A truck slammed into the gas meter on the side of the complex.

The 1:20 p.m. crash started a gas leak and summoned the Albuquerque Fire Department.

The gas line exploded as fire crews were evacuating the apartments.

June 21, 2007: The Pipeline Place:   Natural Gas Causes Explosion.

UTAH--A massive natural gas explosion destroyed a Saratoga Springs home Tuesday .... FERC issues the Agenda (Sunshine Notice) for the June 21, 2007, ... www.pipelinesimulation.blogspot.com/2007/02/natural-gas-causes-explosion.html - 84k -

May 20, 2007: Outlook: Oil $2 Per Barrel Lower, Natural Gas Increase $.90 over 2006 and Natural Gas Expected to Increase an Additional $.32 in 2008

• The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil is expected to average over $66 per barrel this summer, compared with over $70 per barrel last summer, and to average about $64 per barrel annually in both 2007 and 2008.  However, the price of WTI is not, at this time, a reliable marker for other crude oil prices.  The average cost of all crude oils to U.S. refiners is projected to be only about $2 per barrel less this summer than last summer.

• The Henry Hub natural gas spot price is expected to average $7.84 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) in 2007, a 90-cent increase from the 2006 average, and $8.16 per mcf in 2008.

• Residential electricity prices are expected to continue to grow at about 3 percent annually during 2007 and 2008 as higher fuel costs, particularly for natural gas, are passed through to retail customers.

May 20, 2007: Paragon Oil Expands FREE  Springtime Annual Tune Up Customers of Other Oil Companies.  

Annual Tune Ups are now being performed Free of Charge if you have a service contract EVEN WITH A DIFFERENT OIL COMPANY!!!   Paragon Oil will honor that contract as if you bought it from us.    Send us a copy of the contract by mail or email it to us at FREEcontractTUNEUP@paragonoilco.com and tell us your 2 preferred days and times. Paragon's Annual Tune up includes these parts: a new filter, oil nozzle and electrodes if necessary.

May 18, 2007:  Natural Gas Explosion

A gas explosion inside the kitchen of the new clubhouse at Kiawah Island Golf Resort injured four construction workers Friday, course officials said.

© 2007 The Associated Press

 

May 17, 2007:  Natural Gas Explosion

5 Injured In Natural Gas Explosion BOSTON. The company said "the gas escaped or ignited when a line either ruptured or separated."Winter Street residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution.

May 1, 2007:  PARAGON OIL Spring Special Annual Tune Up  FREE or only $50. 

Annual Tune Ups are now being performed Free of Charge (Spring Special) if you have a service contract.  Send us an email to FREETUNEUP@paragonoilco.com to request your free tune up and tell us and tell us your 2 preferred days and times.

No service contract? No Problem! Our Spring Special Price is only $50 for a tune up. Send an Email to $50ATU@paragonoilco.com to request your Special Price Annual tune up and tell us your 2 preferred days and times.

Paragon's Annual Tune up includesthe following parts: a new filter, oil nozzle and electrodes if necessary.

More reasons to be a Paragon Oil Customer: Our oil lasts longer and Paragon Oil does not charge for the these basic tune up parts that many other companies charge separately for.

Note: tune ups and filter changes are as important for your boiler as they are for your car. They help keep your boiler working more at peak efficiently. When you change a filter you remove impurites and large particles trapped in the filter thereby preveting clogging and other problems.

April 23, 2007:  Natural Gas Explosion

Horsefair Gas Explosion 23 April 2007

April 17, 2007:  Paragon Oil Now Makes Large Size Deliveries To Select New Jersey Cities.  

Paragon Oil is now serving large size customers in selected New Jersey cities.  If you are in NJ and order large deliveries you can now give Paragon a call. Be sure to ask for customer service and we will sure try to make you another happy customer.

Posted by The Orlando Sentinel on Wednesday Apr 11, 2007

Natural gas explosion levels townhomes in Melbourne

A natural gas explosion leveled five townhomes and sent seven people to the hospital this morning in Melbourne. Two more people were missing.

March 31, 2007  Gas Explosion 

This happened at 19th of March, 2007 in Siberian city Noviy Urengoy. The gas pipeline 5 feet in diameter exploded.
There was no mention of this event on Russian mass media. Some say that’s because of prohibition from GAZPROM, Russian gas monopolist.
This photo was made from the distance of 7 miles from the actual explosion place.

 

February 11, 2007:  Paragon Oil Delivers KEROSENE In Many areas.  

Paragon Oil delivers 55 gallon Drums of Kerosene in many of the areas it services. Call for availability in your area.

January 29, 2007:     KEROSENE NOW AVAILABLE.  

Paragon Oil now sells Kerosene in 55 Gallon drums. Gigantic savings over purchasing at your local contractor supply.

December 19, 2006:     Paragon Oil Serves Additional Cities In Nassau County, New York.  

Paragon Oil now serves over 35 cities in Nassau County.

December 13, 2006:     Paragon Oil Expands Delivery Area To Nassau County, New York.  

Paragon Oil now serves 30 additional cities in Nassau County. The expanded delivery area  will allow more people to enjoy the savings and service that we provide. Some people who have multiple properties have been asking for this expansion. More areas are planned for the near future.

November 2006:   Paragon Oil Creats Computerized Orders Online. 

People can now place orders 24 hours a day by going online from any computer and going to http://www.paragonoilco.com/ContactUs.htm.       For the ultimate automation, sign up for automatic delivery with autopayment by credit card at  http://www.paragonoilco.com/automaticdelivery.htm

 

October 2006: Paragon Oil Adds New Customer Assistance Division.

  To better serve its existing and future customers, Paragon Oil has created a new customer service division with additional staff working staggered hours.  The new division has specialists trained in problem solving  and customer education.  Customers can have their questions answered by a staff dedicated to their needs.  The additional hours of the Customer Service Division are later in the day, which many people find more convienient.

 

April  27, 2005: Fatal Gas Explosion Blamed on metal pipe connector not designed for use on Plastic Pipe. Gas seeped 40 feet into building.

Fatal gas explosion blamed on pipe fitting.

Charles Kenow, administrator of the state Office of Pipeline Safety, told reporters that a plastic pipe worked its way out of the steel T-connector, which distributed gas from a main line through two plastic pipes to the office building and a neighboring building. (Office of Pipeline Safety)

St. Paul, Minn. — (AP) A natural gas explosion that killed three people last December was due to a metal pipe connector that failed because it was not designed for use on plastic pipe, state officials said Wednesday.

The Dec. 28 explosion in the Anoka County community of Ramsey destroyed an office building that housed Riverview Community Bank.

The natural gas escaped from the failed fitting into the ground, which filtered out the foul odor before the invisible gas seeped into the office building, officials said. The fitting was buried about 40 feet from the building.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2002 Release # 02-152

ECR International Recall Hotline: (800) 241-5501 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, ECR International Announce Recall to Repair of Gas Boilers

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ECR International, of Utica, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 8,000 gas-fired boilers. The burners on these boilers could produce excess carbon monoxide (CO) in the flue, due to improper combustion, posing a risk of CO poisoning to consumers.

CPSC and ECR International have not received any reports of injuries or incidents relating to these boilers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. The firm discovered the problem with these boilers during routine testing.

The recalled boilers have the Dunkirk, Sears Kenmore, Bryant, Carrier, Payne, Lennox and Pennco brand names, which is written on the front of the boilers. The model and serial number are located on the data plate located on the right side of the boiler. The following models and serial numbers are included in the recall:

BrandModel NumbersSerial Numbers

Dunkirk/Sears Kenmore	PVWB-4 through PVWB-9 PWB4 through PWB9 PWB-4 through PWB-9 PWX-4 through PWX-9	320100007S - 520100299S 010200098S - 090200182S
Lennox	GWB8-105E through GWB8-280E GWB8-105S through GWB8-280S	340100148S - 500100600S 010200199S - 050200279S
Carrier/Bryant/ Payne	BW1AAN000105 - BW1AAN000280 BW1AAP000105 - BW1AAP000280 BW2AAP000105 - BW2AAP000280	3601V04044S - 5201V08708S 0102V000015S - 0902V01118S
Pennco	1504HWID and 1509HWID(natural gas) 1504HWD and 1509HWD(natural gas) 1502HWID - 1509HWID (LPgas only) 1502HWD - 1509HWD (LP gas only)	90131-0924 through 90152-0424 90201-0421 through 90208-0424

Independent heating contractors sold and installed these boilers nationwide from August 2001 through March 2002 for between $1,200 and $3,000.

Consumers should contact ECR International immediately to arrange for a free repair. Consumers can call ECR International at (800) 241- 5501 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's recall web site at www.boilerrecall.com
CPSC recommends that every home should have at least one CO alarm that meets the requirements of the most recent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard, International Approval Services 6-96 standard or the Canadian Standards Association 6.19-01 standard.

 

East Harlem Gas Explosion Kills Worker

By DENNIS HEVESI Published: June 12, 1992

An East Harlem building, renovated and awaiting the arrival of poor and homeless tenants, was torn by a gas explosion yesterday afternoon that left one worker dead, four others seriously injured and neighbors badly shaken.

 

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued May 11, 1998 Last Revised November 23, 2005 Release # 98-107

Company Phone Number: (219) 879-6561 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

note: telephone number change

CPSC, Weil-McLain Announce Recall to Repair Gas Boilers

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Weil-McLain, of Michigan City, Ind., is recalling 8,500 Weil-McLain gas boilers for field adjustment of the gas control valve. These boilers' gas control valves, made by White-Rodgers, could have gas pressure settings that are too high. Incorrect gas pressure can cause the boiler to produce dangerous carbon monoxide, which can then leak, causing serious injury or death.

Weil-McLain has received three reports of carbon monoxide detectors alarming due to the release of carbon monoxide from these boilers. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

The Weil-McLain model GV gas boilers subject to this recall are equipped with certain White-Rodgers model 36C98-303 gas control valves with date codes 9621 through 9723. The date code and model number can be found on the unit's gas control valve, which is located at the front and center section of the boiler under the jacket. Also, all Weil-McLain GV boilers located at elevations more than 7,000 feet above sea level are being recalled. These boilers have "WEIL-McLAIN GOLD GV" written on the boiler jacket.

Heating and cooling companies and contractors sold these boilers nationwide from June 1996 to November 1997 for about $1,500 to $3,000. Approximately 1,000 GV boilers were installed from June 1990 to January 1998 at locations above 7,000 feet elevation.

Consumers should immediately check to see if they have a Weil-McLain GV boiler affected by this recall. For assistance in checking the boiler's gas valve model and date code, or for other additional information, consumers should call Weil-McLain at (219) 879-6561. If a consumer has an affected boiler, Weil-McLain will arrange for a free adjustment of the gas control valves' pressure setting.

---

Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

 

Recall to Repair Gas Boilers - Estimated 250,000

Gas - Carbon Monoxide - Deadly Threat

In a landmark action announced February 24, 1998 virtually the entire furnace and boiler industry together with the manufacturers of high-temperature plastic vent (HTPV) pipes have joined with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to announce a recall program. This program will replace, free of charge, an estimated 250,000 HTPV pipe systems attached to gas or propane furnaces or boilers in consumers' homes. The HTPV pipes could crack or separate at the joints and leak carbon monoxide (CO), presenting a deadly threat to consumers.

To determine whether they have HTPV pipe systems that are subject to this program, consumers should first check the vent pipes attached to their natural gas or propane furnaces or boilers.

Vent pipes subject to this recall program can be identified as follows: the vent pipes are plastic;

• the vent pipes are colored gray or black;
• the vent pipes have the names
• 'Plexvent', 'Plexvent II', or 'Ultravent' stamped on the vent pipe or
• printed on stickers placed on pieces used to connect the vent pipes
• together.

Consumers should now check the location of these vent pipes.

For furnaces, only HTPV systems that have vent pipes that go through the sidewalls of structures (horizontal systems) are subject to this program.

For boilers, all HTPV systems are subject to this program.

Other plastic vent pipes, such as white PVC or CPVC, are not involved in this program.

After checking the vent pipes, consumers should call the special toll-free number (800) 758-3688, available between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. EST seven days a week, to verify that their HTPV pipe systems are subject to this recall program. Consumers with eligible systems will receive new, professionally installed venting systems free of charge.

Additionally, consumers who already have replaced their HTPV pipe systems may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of the replacement costs.

The program came about as a result of mediation among 27 participants manufacturers of HTPV pipes and manufacturers of natural gas or propane-fired boilers and mid-efficiency furnaces. This is the first time that CPSC has used a mediator to bring together all segments of an industry to implement a program for the benefit of consumers.

The following lists the manufacturers participating in this program.

• Armstrong Air Conditioning Inc.
• Bard Manufacturing Co.
• Burnham Corp.
• Consolidated Industries
• Crown Boiler Co.
• Dunkirk Radiator Corp.
• Evcon Industries Inc.
• Hart & Cooley Inc.
• Heat Controller Inc.
• International Comfort Products Corp. (USA)
• Lennox Industries Inc.
• Nordyne Inc.
• Pennco Inc.
• Plexco Inc.
• Raypak Inc.
• Rheem Manufacturing Co.
• Slant/Fin Corp.
• The Ducane Co. Inc.
• The Trane Co.
• Thermo Products Inc
• Trianco-Heatmaker Inc.
• Utica Boilers Inc.
• Vaillant Corp.
• Weil-McLain
• Westcast Inc.
• York International Corp

 

1989 : Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet.

Consumer Protection Safety Commission Document #4466

THE DATA
How many people die from CO poisoning each year?

In 1989, the most recent year for which statistics are available, thee were about 220 deaths from CO poisoning associated with gas-fired appliances, about 30 CO deaths associated with solid-fueled appliances (including charcoal grills), and about 45 CO deaths associated with liquid- fueled heaters.

How many people are poisoned from CO each year?

Nearly 5,000 people in the United States are treated in hospital emergency rooms for CO poisoning; this number is believed to be an underestimate because many people with CO symptoms mistake the symptoms for the flu or are misdiagnosed and never get treated.