UCSC police warn students not to use thermal packs to heat food

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) UC Santa Cruz police are asking students who are still in campus housing not to use thermal heating packs to heat food because they produce carbon monoxide.

The packs, which are activated by water and are often included in emergency kits, produce the gas. If carbon monoxide is inhaled, it could cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion and even death in extreme cases.

Police and fire officials said they have responded to residence halls multiple times over the past few months after gas detectors alerted them to dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Police said finding the source is difficult because the gas does not have a smell, but they believe thermal packs in a confined space are to blame.

Officials on campus are concerned that students in campus housing will use the packs to heat food because dining halls are operating on a limited schedule due to coronavirus concerns. The packs are designed to be used in well-ventilated areas, but fire officials said faulty packs could also cause fires or explode.