Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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For Your Health

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Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless deadly gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuel. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States.

What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble breathing.

1-800-222-1222

What are sources of carbon monoxide?

gas stoves used to heat the home
clogged or dirty chimneys
faulty heating systems
car engines running in an enclosed space, such as a garage
swimming decks of boats with
inboard motors
charcoal grills used indoors or in a tent

How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
Have chimneys and heating systems checked yearly
by a professional technician.
Never run car engines while parked in a garage or against a snow bank.
Never use charcoal grills in a closed space such as a garage or tent.
Buy a carbon monoxide detector for your home and install it in sleeping areas.
A room with a kerosene or propane space heater should be well ventilated.

► See You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
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Should I use carbon monoxide detectors in my home?

Yes. Install carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas of your home. Follow the directions. If the alarm sounds, open all windows possible and then call 911.

Remember to change the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when necessary. Check them each month.

Who is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning?

Everyone is at risk. It is very dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn child, infants, seniors, and people with breathing problems.

More Resources

Did you know that most fire deaths occur in the middle of the night?
Will Your Smoke Alarm Wake You and Your Family in the Middle of the Night?
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Did you know that overloaded electrical outlets are one of the major causes of residential fire deaths?
Plug Into Safety
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Do you use candles? Learn about Candle Safety
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Last Updated: December 6, 2011