Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

You can’t see it, you can’t smell it, but you can prevent it

An odorless, tasteless, colorless gas, carbon monoxide (CO) is a potentially deadly danger that may be in your home right now.

A byproduct of burning fossil fuels, CO can quickly build up in poorly ventilated spaces. Common sources of CO in the home include:

• Furnaces and gas heaters

• Kerosene heaters

• Fireplaces and wood stoves

• Gas stoves and ovens

• Portable generators

With the increased use of heating sources in winter and the sealing of doors and windows to keep out winter’s chill, the risk of increased CO levels in the home increases.

When breathed in by people or animals, CO builds up in the blood replacing oxygen in red blood cells. This can lead to serious tissue damage and, as noted, death.

Symptoms of CO poisoning vary based on the level and length of exposure.

Mild symptoms are commonly mistaken for the flu and include:

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Chest pain

High-level exposure can cause:

• Mental confusion

• Vomiting

• Loss of coordination

• Loss of consciousness

• Death

While CO is undetectable to humans, CO detectors can alert you to dangerous levels.

Available online and at most hardware stores, detectors range from $15 to $50 and last up to 10 years.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. Detectors should be positioned within 10 feet of each bedroom and near or over any attached garage. Much like a smoke alarm, a CO detector will emit a loud noise when the gas is detected. Never ignore a CO alarm or attempt to find the source.

If you hear the alarm or even just suspect poisoning:

• Immediately move outside to fresh air

• Call the gas company, fire department or 9-1-1

• Make sure every person and/or pet in your home is accounted for

• Do not re-enter the home until emergency responders tell you it’s safe to do so

Be sure to test or change the batteries in your CO detector every six months. 

Other steps you can take to prevent CO poisoning include:

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

• Keep vents and flues free of debris

• Never leave the engine running in a vehicle parked in an attached garage or carport

• Never run a gasoline-powered engine (motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer) less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent

• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper

• Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside an enclosed structure or basement, even if the doors or windows are open

CO poisoning is entirely preventable.  Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s CO Poisoning webpage to learn more.

Sean Burns, MD, is the SVMC EMS Medical Director/District 12 Medical Advisor.