Protect Yourself & Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the most common types of accidental poisoning in the U.S., carbon monoxide poisoning (CO) accounts for more than 100,000 visits to the emergency room and at least 420 deaths every year.

While CO poisoning can happen at any time, the risk spikes in the winter months when people turn up the heat in their homes.

Found in fumes produced by furnaces, kerosene heaters, vehicles in garages, stoves, lanterns, gas ranges, portable generators, or by burning charcoal and wood, CO is undetectable to humans and can quickly build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.

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 or death.

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

Mild symptoms sometimes are commonly mistaken for 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 are available. In fact, 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. Instead, if you hear the alarm or event just suspect poisoning:

• Immediately move outside to fresh air
• Call the gas company, fire department or 911
• Make sure every person and/or pet in your home is accounted for
• Do not re-enter the premises until emergency responders have given you permission 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 a garage or any partially enclosed space
• 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.  To learn more, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s CO Poisoning webpage.

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