Prolonged headaches and red splotchy skin are the two most common symptoms of CO poisoning. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the health effects of CO depend on the concentration and length of exposure, as well as each individual’s health condition. Most people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm (parts per million) but some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain.
Where is CO found?
CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the CDC recommends:
• Every year, have a qualified technician check heating systems, water heaters, and other gas-, oil-, or coal-burning appliances;
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in homes and change the batteries when you change the clocks for daylight-saving time;
• Seek medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning is the cause of your dizziness or nausea;
• Never use generators, camp stoves, charcoal grills, or any other gas- or oil-burning device inside the home or outside the home near a window;
• Never run a motor vehicle inside the garage, even if the garage door is open;
• Never burn anything in a fireplace or stove that is not vented to the outside; and
• Never heat a house with a gas oven.
The CPSC recommends that one CO alarm be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. Hard wired or plug-in CO alarms should have battery backup. People should avoid locations that are near heating vents or that can be covered by furniture or draperies. Installing CO alarms in a kitchen or above fuel-burning appliances is not recommended.
If a CO alarm signal sounds do not try to find the source, immediately move outside to fresh air and call emergency services, the fire department or 911. Perform a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. Do not reenter the premises until the emergency services responders permit re-entry. If the source of the CO is determined to be a malfunctioning appliance, do not operate that appliance until it has been properly serviced by trained personnel.
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