Carbon dioxide leak at LAX leaves four people sick, one in ‘grave condition'

Four people fell sick, including one in critical condition, from a carbon dioxide leak on Monday morning at Los Angeles International Airport, authorities said. 

A hazardous materials team responded to a call reporting the “release of carbon dioxide from an unspecified source” in the baggage area of Terminal 8 at LAX shortly after 7 a.m., the Fire Department said in a statement. 

When authorities arrived they found three people in “mild distress” and another in “grave condition” from the leak. The three patients, two men and a woman, were treated at the scene. 

The fourth, a man in his 50s, was found without a pulse and not breathing. CPR was immediately performed and he was placed on advanced life support as he was taken to a nearby hospital. 

Around 100 people were evacuated from the terminal to prevent further individuals from falling ill. No passengers or travelers were affected by the carbon dioxide, said the Fire Department.

“Though no escalating or off-site hazard has been identified, an LAFD Hazardous Materials team has been assigned pursuant to protocol,” the department added.

The leak occurred after a popping sound was heard inside a utility room about 200 feet from the Terminal 8 baggage area. All four victims were workers who were in the room. 

According to LAFD Capt. Erik Scott, the utility room was equipped with a carbon dioxide fire suspension system that is designed to extinguish a fire without damaging the electrical equipment inside. 

“The carbon dioxide displaces the oxygen in the individual’s bloodstream and they went into cardiac arrest,” Scott said, adding that carbon dioxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.