Poison Prevention: Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that comes from the incomplete burning of fuel, such as natural gas, propane, and wood.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
These symptoms are often misdiagnosed or unnoticed because they mimic the flu.
Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can result in seizures, serious injury, or death. If you believe there is a carbon monoxide leak, leave your home immediately and call the Poison Center at 212-764-7667. They will direct you with information about who to contact.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- House fires
- Unvented furnaces, boilers, stoves, hot water heaters and other fuel burning equipment
- Gas stoves or ovens that are used to heat the home
- Clogged chimneys and heating exhaust vents
- Grills used inside a building or tent
- Generators used too close to the home (less than 20 feet from open windows or enclosed areas)
- Running cars or gas-powered tools in enclosed areas (such as a garage)
- Running cars that have snow (or something else) blocking the exhaust pipe
Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home
- Never use your gas oven or stove to heat your home.
- Never run a car inside the garage or against a snowbank. Always make sure the tailpipe is clear before you start the car engine.
- Never use an outdoor grill inside a home, garage, or tent.
- If you use a generator during a power outage, keep it outdoors, at least 20 feet from open windows or enclosed areas.
- Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors alert you when there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. Most homes and residential buildings in New York City are required by law to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in the sleeping areas.
Building owners are responsible for installing approved carbon monoxide detectors. Occupants are responsible for regularly testing detectors to make sure they work and replacing the batteries. You should test carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month. You should also replace your carbon monoxide detector's batteries twice a year. Try to time replacements for daylight saving days in the spring and fall.
If you hear a carbon monoxide detector alert:
- Open your windows.
- Leave your home.
- Get to fresh air immediately.
- Call 911 to ask the Fire Department to check the carbon monoxide level in your home.
- Call the New York City Poison Control Center — (212) POISONS (212-764-7667) — while you are waiting to get instructions about what to do next.