3. Residents, especially children, are reporting feeling like their lungs are burning when they take breaths of air. What toxic gas could be affecting them? Why do you think so?

The toxic gas that could be affecting the residents, especially children, is carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing when inhaled. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as wood, coal, oil, and natural gas. When residents are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be life-threatening. The symptoms described, such as feeling like their lungs are burning when taking breaths of air, are consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning.