What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

While many U.S. homes are equipped with carbon monoxide monitors, travelers may be at greater risk. Recognizing causes and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and taking prevention measures can help avoid tragedy.

What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

• Nausea
• Mild headache
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms of moderate exposure and more advanced symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness and weakness
• Mental confusion
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Fainting (loss of consciousness)
• Severe headache
• Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting

Low levels of carbon monoxide may cause delayed symptoms. Those fumes are still toxic and can harm your health the longer you breathe them in. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide, get out of the exposure area immediately, breathe fresh air, and seek emergency care.

Many fuel-burning engines and appliances expel carbon monoxide. In areas with inadequate airflow or venting, the amount of carbon monoxide in the air may rise to dangerous levels. For example, using a charcoal grill indoors or leaving a running car inside a garage puts people at risk.

In the winter, risks are higher when people use fuel-burning heating systems. However, the summer months can also be risky.

“That’s often the time that people do more home improvement projects, and sometimes use gas-powered tools such as power washers inside their homes,” says Jeffrey S. Cooper, MD, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha.

Who Is at Highest Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

People at the highest risk of carbon monoxide poisoning at low doses of exposure include:

• Developing fetuses
• Infants
• People over age 65
• People living at high altitudes
• People with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory conditions
• Smokers

People who are a smaller size and pets may see carbon monoxide effects sooner — pets are usually the first in a household to show symptoms.

Anyone who works around combustion engines or fires is at a higher risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Higher CO levels are likely in places such as boiler rooms, warehouses, and petroleum refineries.

• Firefighters
• Mechanics
• Drivers
• Welders

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Natural Disasters, and Power Outages

People with carbon monoxide poisoning are given 100 percent oxygen through a mask until they feel better, which is usually within four to five hours.

During this time, healthcare staff will perform regular neurologic exams to track progress and watch for signs of brain swelling.

People with especially high carbon monoxide levels in the blood may be given hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is the delivery of pure oxygen in an enclosed space with higher than normal air pressure.

Carbon monoxide is produced by any home appliance that uses natural gas and burns fuel in your home, such as a furnace, stove, clothing dryer, or gas-powered generator. All fuel-burning appliances need to be vented outside.

Gas-powered car engines release carbon monoxide as well, so never leave a car running in an enclosed garage connected to the home.

Use carbon monoxide detectors and check them regularly. Place them near each sleeping area on every level of the house and check the batteries at least twice a year.

If the alarm sounds, don’t immediately blame a faulty battery. Remember, the gas is invisible and odorless, and you should trust the detector. Leave the house and call 911 or emergency medical help. Carbon monoxide detectors also are made for motorhomes and boats.

Utilize gas appliances only as intended. Don’t use a gas stove or oven for heat and don’t use gas camp stoves indoors. Don't run a generator in an enclosed space, such as a basement, garage, or tent, even if the garage door or windows are open.

When your garage door is open, you’re pulling air in, not exhausting it out, says Dr. Cooper.

“We've seen patients come to the ER badly poisoned saying, ‘I had the garage door open. Why did this happen?’ Opening a door or window isn’t enough — generators and gas-powered devices should really be outside,” he says.

Have appliances checked regularly. Have professionals set up all gas-, oil- or coal-burning appliances, and have a qualified service professional check them yearly.

Keep fireplaces in good condition. Clean the fireplace chimney and flue every year.

Do repairs before returning to a place where poisoning occurred. If carbon monoxide poisoning happens in your home, have a professional find and repair the source before staying there again.

How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning While Traveling

Cooper offers a few tips to stay safe while traveling:

• Check the listing on your rental or call ahead to your hotel or resort and ask if they have carbon monoxide detectors. “Most, but not all states require hotels to have CO detectors,” he says.
• Buy a portable carbon monoxide detector and take it with you on trips. Small devices can be purchased online for between $20 and $35.

The detector should beep a few times when you plug it in to let you know it’s working. (Follow the instructions that came with the device.) If the alarm beeps during your stay, leave the house or building immediately.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death if it’s not detected and treated promptly.

Treatment with oxygen can reverse the effects and people will return to their previous health. Some people can have lingering complications, however, which may include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Parkinson’s disease
• Memory loss
• Heart abnormalities

• Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious and potentially deadly condition.
• Prompt recognition of symptoms and immediate treatment are crucial because death can happen in just a few minutes.
• To reduce the risk, check for proper ventilation when using fuel-burning appliances, install carbon monoxide detectors at home, bring portable models while traveling, and don’t run cars or generators in enclosed spaces such as garages.