Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Hundreds of people accidentally die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. Carbon monoxide gas is produced whenever any fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned.

Currently, there is a toddler in critical condition in Lynnwood, WA due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The story can be found here. The family brought a BBQ grill inside to try to keep warm.

Most carbon monoxide deaths in the U.S occur during the winter months with the highest numbers occurring during January with an average of 70 deaths and 2,500 non-fatal exposures. Although males and females are equally likely to visit the ER for CO exposure, males are 2.3 times more likely to die from CO exposure. The CO poisoning death rate was highest among people over 65 and likely attributed to their being at higher risk for undetected exposure.

Exposure to carbon monoxide can produce flu-like symptoms such as:

• Headache


• Nausea


• Dizziness


• Confusion


• Fainting

At higher levels, carbon monoxide exposure can cause:

• Unconsciousness


• Death

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure:

• Get out of the house and into fresh air


• Call the fire department from a neighbor’s house


• If you have symptoms, seek medical help immediately

If appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can result. Have a qualified service technician inspect your appliances yearly, before the heating season.

• Check vent pipes, flues and chimneys for leaks or blockages.


• Do not use un-vented kerosene heaters.


• NEVER use a charcoal or propane grill indoors.


• Do not use a gas oven to heat your home.


• Do not leave a vehicle running inside a garage, even if the door is open, fumes will build up quickly inside the house.


• Never use gasoline-powered engines (generators, chain saws, blowers, weed trimmers, mowers or snow blowers) indoors.


• Consider purchasing carbon monoxide detectors and installing them on each floor of your home. Carbon monoxide is COLORLESS, ODORLESS and TASTELESS. That is what makes it so incredibly dangerous. Locate detectors near bedrooms so alarms can be heard at night.