Every year carbon monoxide poisoning sends more than 100,000 Americans to the emergency room, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those, more than 14,000 are hospitalized and more than 400 people die. While carbon monoxide poisoning can happen any time of the year, there is a higher risk of it during the cold winter season, California Poison Control System (CPCS) officials are reminding California residents.
CO, the chemical formula for carbon monoxide, is a “silent killer”. Colorless, odorless, and tasteless, the gas is undetectable to human senses and people don’t realize they are being poisoned. Carbon monoxide may be released from stoves, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces that are not functioning properly or not burning fuel with enough oxygen. The gas can then easily and quickly build up indoors, poisoning any person or animal that breathes it.
“Anyone exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning is in a life-threatening emergency,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “Since it is undetectable to the human senses, assume that a real danger is present if a CO detector goes off, and get all people and pets out of the structure immediately and into fresh air. Call 911 and seek medical help right away. Do not re-enter until a professional declares it safe.”
Symptoms of CO poisoning can vary, ranging from headache, fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness to loss of consciousness and chest pain. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen slowly or swiftly depending on circumstances.
California Poison Control offers these tips to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:
Install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home near sleeping areas. Be sure to regularly check or change the batteries in it to ensure it is functioning properly.
Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician every year prior to turning the heat on when winter begins.
Never try to heat your home by turning on the oven or clothes dryer and leaving the door open.
Make sure chimneys and vents are not blocked with tarps or debris.
Never leave the motor running in your vehicle when it is parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil.
To learn more about prevention and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning you can watch a CPCS video at: https://youtu.be/3BT_hDb4uqE
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (number is the same in all states) for questions about poison encounters. Trained pharmacists, nurses and other providers are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and interpreters are available. Follow CPCS on Facebook, on YouTube @californiapoisoncontrol, and on X @poisoninfo. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.
