Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

What's the Problem?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Carbon monoxide is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.  Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces.  People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.  High levels of carbon monoxide ingestion can cause loss of consciousness and death.  Unless suspected, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses.  People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

Who's at Risk?

All people and animals are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.  Certain groups -- unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems -- are more susceptible to its effects.  Each year, more than 500 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 2,000 commit suicide by intentionally poisoning themselves. (A more recent review claims CO as the leading cause of more than 15,000 accidental poisoning deaths in the United States each year and another 10,000 injuries according to the Carbon Monoxide Medical Association)
 

Can It Be Prevented?

Yes, you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by taking simple precautions to make sure that:

• all fuel-burning appliances are properly installed, maintained, and operated;

• furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers are inspected annually by a qualified service technician;

• fireplace chimneys and flues are checked and cleaned every year;

• unvented fuel-burning space heaters are used only while someone is awake to monitor them and doors or windows in the room are open to provide fresh air;

• automobile exhaust systems are routinely inspected for defects; and

• automobile tailpipes are routinely inspected for blockage by snow during the winter months.

Remember:

(1) never use a gas range or oven to heat a home;

(2) never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper;

(3) 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;

(4) never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside of an open window or door where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area;

(5) never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space, such as a closed garage.

Knowledge is the key to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.  In most cases of unintentional poisonings, victims did not realize that carbon monoxide was being produced or building up in the air they were breathing.  Carbon monoxide can be easily and cheaply detected in the home; several relatively inexpensive carbon monoxide alarms are available.  Consider placing a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your homes and in your bedrooms.
 

Air and Respiratory Health Branch
National Center for Environmental Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This page last reviewed August 20, 2007

The information provided on this page is based upon the NCEH current scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented. Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all health hazards that may be caused by indoor air pollution and other indoor environmental contaminants.  The NCEH have not reviewed or approved all the information and documents on indoor air quality that may be provided by other groups or organizations.

Copyright 2007 AboutCarbonMonoxide.com