Houghton Taco Bell closed due to high carbon monoxide levels
The Taco Bell on Razorback Drive in Houghton closed to the public on Friday, June 16, due to high carbon monoxide levels detected.
Though staff remained at work to do deep cleaning, a Taco Bell employee said that they couldn’t run their food equipment due to the risk.
According to the neighboring business, the restaurant’s CO alarm was activated and employees were evacuated until they got the go-ahead to return to the store by the fire department.
The fire department could not be reached Friday for comment.
Other employees estimate the store will reopen by tomorrow.
The Taco Bell manager on duty declined to comment.
According to the EPA, carbon monoxide exposure could lead to effects from fatigue and chest pain to impaired vision and even death. Sources could include unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, furnaces or stove leaks, or incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges, and unvented gas or kerosene heaters.
Around 12:30 p.m., AirCare of Houghton visited the restaurant. A representative from AirCare said they haven’t found the cause of the carbon monoxide levels and declined further comment.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited to reflect the correct chemical formula for carbon monoxide.
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