Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO), also known as the “Silent Killer,” is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that can interfere with the body’s ability to carry hemoglobin in red blood cells. Carbon monoxide is lighter than air and can go undetected in homes, vehicles, and other spaces. It is produced as a by-product of incomplete burning of coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas, fuel oil, kerosene, gasoline, and is a common cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. Only 27% of homes have CO detectors.

The Georgia Fire Incidence Reporting System (GFIRS) reported 407 CO-related incidents in 2022, 423 in 2023, and 1,015 in 2024. The increase from 2023 to 2024 in CO-related incidents occurred during hurricane Helene, September to October. Carbon monoxide safety is crucial, especially during constant weather changes. The most effective method of preventing CO poisoning is the installation and maintenance of CO detectors. Without the correct precautions, exposure to CO can cause serious health issues and can be fatal.

Sources of CO Poisoning
- Motor vehicle exhaust combined with inadequate ventilation is responsible for two-thirds of all accidental CO deaths.
  - Cars/Trucks
  - Motorcycles
  - ATVs
  - Boats
- Other products with an internal combustion engine such as:
  - Portable generators
  - Lawn mowers
  - Power washers
- Faulty heating equipment such as:
  - Improperly vented or unvented gas appliances
  - Kerosene or propane space heaters
  - Wood burning stoves
  - Charcoal grills or hibachis
  - Sterno-type fuels
- Fires in an enclosed area can raise CO levels in the blood of unprotected persons to 150 times normal in one minute; CO poisoning is the most frequent cause of immediate death associated with fire.
Portable generators and motor vehicles are the most common source of CO poisonings in the United States.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning mimic the flu:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Dimness of vision
Symptoms of high level of CO poisoning include:
- Convulsion
- Loss of muscular coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory Arrest
- Death
At-risk Populations include:
- Babies and infants
- Pregnant women
- Older adults
- People with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory illness
How do I know if I suspect that combustion appliances are affecting my health?
Sources:
- Carbon Monoxide Factsheet - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Clinical Guidance for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Following Disasters and Severe Weather - CDC
CO Poisoning Prevention
- Install CO monitors in the home. Check them regularly and make sure they are maintained properly.
- Do not use unvented space heaters, gas stoves, charcoal grills or Sterno-type fuels as sources of heat. Do not cook on charcoal grills indoors.
- Have your gas appliances checked periodically for proper operation and venting.
- Make sure flues, chimneys and vents are clear of debris and in good working order.
- Check the exhaust system of your car regularly and keep it in good condition. Do not run the car or other gasoline-powered engines in a garage, even with the doors open.

If you suspect CO exposure or poisoning, call emergency personnel and leave the area immediately. individuals should be led to fresh air.

If you suspect carbon monoxide is being emitted due to faulty appliances, contact a qualified service person to check the appliances for proper operation before using them again.