Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – the Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that is lethal. It is known as the “silent killer” since it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. CO inhibits your blood cells from transporting oxygen when you breathe it in.

What We Know

CO poisoning can happen whenever someone is exposed to hazardous levels of carbon monoxide. Every year, over 400 Americans die due to unintentional CO poisoning unrelated to fires, over 20,000 attend the emergency room, and over 4,000 are hospitalized. CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose unless suspected because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses, such as the flu. Carbon monoxide poisonings are more common in the fall and winter due to the usage of gas-burning appliances for heating and generators. (Texas Poison Center Network, 2022)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

• HeadachesConfusion
• FatiguesSeizures
• Disorientation or lack of consciousness
• Vomiting and nausea
• CO poisoning at high levels can be fatal.
• Consider CO poisoning if several people in the house exhibit symptoms simultaneously.
• Children, the elderly, and those with prior diseases are frequently the first to be affected.

Where Can I Find Carbon Monoxide?

CO is found in gases produced when you burn wood or fuel in automobiles or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, barbecues, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces.

CO-Producing Appliances and Equipment:

• Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters that run on gas or oil
• Space heaters that run on gas, oil, or kerosene
• Ovens and stoves for gas kitchens
• Lawn mowers, chainsaws, and weed eaters that run on gasoline
• Automobiles, trucks, and mopeds
• Gas lights, candles, and charcoal grills
• Generators
• Fireplaces
• Boats

 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install a carbon monoxide alarm near each sleeping location in the home. Follow the installation instructions provided. Warnings of various types are available in hardware stores and home centers. Check the batteries at least twice a year or whenever you change the clocks in the spring and fall. Every five years, replace your CO alarm. If the alarm goes off, leave the house immediately and contact your local fire department. (CDC, Faq, 2022)

Prevention

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, numerous precautions should be taken. Use the checklist below to ensure that you are doing everything possible.

• Have your heating system, water heater, and other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances inspected annually.
• Check that your gas appliances are correctly vented.
• Every year, get your chimney inspected or cleaned. CO can accumulate inside your home or cabin if vents become clogged with debris.
• Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home, cabin, or camper because it might produce a buildup of CO within your home, house, or trailer.
• Never use charcoal inside. CO is produced when red, grey, black, or white charcoal is burned.
• Never run a generator inside your home or garage if your doors and windows are open.
• If you use a generator outside your home, keep it at least 15 feet away from any doors or windows.
• Never drive your car or truck inside a garage attached to a house, even if the garage door is open.
• When running a car or truck inside a detached garage, always open the door to allow fresh air in.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get humans and pets outside as soon as possible and contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Work Cited

Mender, Site. “What Is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?” Texas Poison Center Network, 19 May 2022, www.poisoncontrol.org/carbon-monoxide-the-silent-killer/

“Frequently Asked Questions.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 July 2021, www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20symptoms%20of,pass%20out%20or%20kill%20you