The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Automobiles and appliances fueled by natural gas, propane, oil, kerosene, gasoline, coal or wood can produce carbon monoxide. Because you can't see it, smell it, or taste it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it's there. Even if the levels are not high enough to kill you, it can make you sick over time.

Each year over 200 people in the United States die from carbon monoxide produced by appliances (such as gas stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, hot water heaters, etc.) in their homes. Others dies while burning wood or charcoal in an enclosed area or by cars left running in attached garages. Several thousand people each year are treated in the emergency rooms for carbon monoxide poisoning. Elderly people and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu or food poisoning. This can include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Shortness of Breath

Many people with carbon monoxide poisoning mistake their symptoms for the flu, food poisoning or other illness which can result in death.

High levels of carbon monoxide can make a person sleepy or if they are already asleep, it can prevent them from waking up.

What if I am experiencing symptoms?

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of possible carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Get fresh air IMMEDIATELY!
• Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house!
• Go to an emergency room and tell them you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.

How can I prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

Here are some tips to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Install a carbon monoxide detector in the home. Place one near each sleeping area or outside the bedrooms in homes with fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace or an attached garage.
• Have your home heating system inspected and serviced annually. Warning signs include clogged gas jets or flames that don't burn blue.
• Frequently examine vents and chimneys for accumulation of soot, improper connections, visible rust or stains.
• Only burn charcoal outdoors, never inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.
• Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
• Never leave a car running in a garage.
• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances, such as a generator, in a closed room.
• Never use charcoal for fuel-burning stoves, lanterns, or heaters inside a tent, trailer or motor home.
• Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Repair leaking exhaust pipes and mufflers on automobiles.

The Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) private, not-for-profit charitable organization funded under the Older Americans Act and the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Page was last updated on 3/23/2005.
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