Health Tip

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

       Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is poisonous to breathe. It prevents oxygen from getting to the body’s tissues, which and cause sudden illness, brain damage, and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 500 people die in the United States each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
       Carbon monoxide is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal, wood, and kerosene or other fuels like coal, oil, and natural and propane gas. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing carbon monoxide. People need to be especially cautious during emergencies such as winter storms and hurricanes when power outages often occur. During power outages, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, cooling, and cooking can cause carbon monoxide to build up in a home, garage, or camper.

How to Recognize CO Poisoning

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

CO Poisoning Prevention Tips

• Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
• Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented.
• Never use a charcoal grill, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, basement, garage, camper, or tent.
• Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.
• Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
• Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can flow back into a house, basement, garage, or other enclosed area.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage, even if you leave the door open.
• If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with family or friends or at a community shelter.
• If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Every home should have at least one working carbon monoxide detector. The detector’s batteries should be checked twice a year. A helpful way to remember is to replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.

Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.