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Masks


 

A high quality N95 mask can discourage the spread of airborne illnesses and filter particulates such as dust and environmental mold. Of course, universal vaccination against COVID, for instance, and eradication of mold from structures - - such as homes, schools, and workplaces - - are better. 

A high quality N95 mask cannot protect you from breathing in CO2. It doesn’t work that way. You can’t even reduce the risk in any way. I think it goes without saying that there’s no vaccination to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, either.

You pretty much have two choices: eradicate the carbon monoxide or avoid the place where it is. Period.

I was alarmed and upset when I learned that employees at the Savage library branch had been sickened seriously enough at work that they had to go to the emergency room for treatment. Carbon monoxide poisoning is no joke. People should not have to fear coming to their place of employment.

And we want to think of libraries as safe spaces, right? 

So the decision was made to close the library. And rightly so. 

Howard County library employees seek answers after branch closed amid carbon monoxide concerns, Jess Nocera, Baltimore Banner

Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no odor, taste or color, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can build up to dangerous levels when appliances or engines aren’t well vented. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when it accumulates in the blood, and it can cause tissue damage or even death. Those exposed to carbon monoxide should get fresh air and seek medical care immediately, the clinic advises.

Those who are most at risk are employees and library patrons who spend long periods of time in the building. Often those are more vulnerable members of the community who have nowhere else to go.

The library closed on November 20 and is set to reopen today.

Library employees remain anxious as Howard County prepares to reopen, Jess Nocera, Baltimore Banner 

The library buildings are owned and operated by the County. During the closure they have run numerous tests and installed multiple carbon monoxide sensors throughout the library. That’s good. So far, they have not discovered the source of the problem. That’s bad. I can see why that would make library employees anxious.

The good news: they’ve done everything they could. The bad news: the problem isn’t entirely solved. 

That’s a hard place to be in. As someone with allergies and asthma I may have a heightened concern about things that have to do with breathing.  No, scratch that. I’m sure that I do. I don’t have the answer to this ongoing issue but I absolutely do feel for the library workers in Savage and wish they could be returning to work with confidence.

It is possible for me to believe that the library system and the county are sincere in their efforts to resolve this and also believe that the library employees have valid concerns.

Here’s hoping that no one else is sickened and that the root of this problem is found soon and fixed. 





P.S. If you need some cheering up, here’s a piece from (now retired) Murray Hill Middle School about how great the Savage Library is after its 2014 update. 

Our Lovely Savage Library, Gweneth Jones, The Daring Librarian

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  1. Julia A. McCreadyDecember 11, 2025 at 4:49 AM

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