• 03
  • February
    2012

With winter in New York bringing snow, winds and frigid temperatures, it is essential to seal up your home and turn on the heat. Unfortunately, both of these normal activities can increase the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when certain fuels are not completely burned and by equipment with internal combustion engines. CO cannot be detected by scent or sight and if a person is exposed to CO for too long, it can result in flu-like symptoms that if not immediately treated can be fatal.

In 2008, the number of CO-related deaths associated with consumer products increased to 190. Eighty-six of these deaths were due to the use of portable generators. To put that in perspective, in 1999, there were seven CO-related deaths related to the use of portable generators. Essentially, in about 10 years, there was a 1,000 percent increase in carbon monoxide deaths because of portable generators.

Unsurprisingly, most CO-related deaths occur during the winter months. Unchecked furnaces, fuel-burning space heaters and indoor charcoal-use are common culprits in CO poisoning.

How Do You Know if You Have Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

As mentioned above, symptoms of CO poisoning mirror the flu - headaches, fatigue, chest pain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or feeling faint; if anyone in the house, including pets, shows some of these signs then you may have been exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide. If you think you might be experiencing the effects of carbon monoxide, take action by GASPing:

  • GET fresh air. Open all of your doors and windows and leave your residence.
  • ALERT the authorities. Notify the fire department and gas company so they can find the source of any suspected leaks.
  • SEEK medical attention. Go to the emergency room or call 911 and tell them you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not ignore the symptoms - even if you think it may just be the flu or that you are being paranoid - get checked out. It's better to be safe than unconscious
  • PROTECT yourself further. Take steps to prevent future accidental CO poisoning.

How do You Prevent CO Poisoning?

By taking several safety precautions you can prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

First, do not use items to heat your home that were not intended for heating, such as a gas range or oven, charcoal grills, lanterns or portable camping stoves.

Second, install a carbon monoxide detector near your bedrooms. Similar to smoke detectors, these will send an alarm in the event that CO rises to an unsafe level in your residence. You can get battery-powered or plug-in CO detectors for $30-$40.

Third, do not sleep in a room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.

Fourth, regularly service appliances that use carbon fuels, such as oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas powered refrigerators, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.

By utilizing CO detectors and taking other safety precautions, you can stay warm in the winter without worry.

Related resource: CPSC.gov, "CO Deaths Continue to Rise."