Guard against carbon monoxide poisoning

By uclahealth • June 9, 2017

Guard against carbon monoxide poisoning

June is National Safety Month. Learn what you can do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, an invisible threat that can cause severe illness and even death.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. It is produced by burning fuel such as:

Gas
Oil
Kerosene
Wood
Charcoal

Carbon monoxide can easily pass through drywall and leak from one area of your home to another. You can also be exposed to it outside in covered areas such as on an enclosed porch or under a tent.

The following fuel-burning items can produce carbon monoxide at dangerous levels:

Cars, trucks and other vehicles, especially if left idling in an enclosed garage
Boats and jet skis left running, even outside
Charcoal grills used in enclosed spaces
Water heaters
Ovens
Space or wall heaters
Portable generators

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide attaches to red blood cells in the same spot where oxygen would normally attach. This deprives the brain and other vital organs of oxygen. In the United States, hundreds of people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands become seriously ill, often with long-term consequences.

Signs of poisoning include:

Headache
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Drowsiness
Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
Seizures

If you’re experiencing symptoms, immediately leave the area of exposure, get to a well-ventilated area and dial 911 for medical attention.

When not treated right away, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to persistent problems that include:

Headaches
Motor weakness
Balance problems
Vision difficulties
Hearing loss
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Increased risk of heart damage
Cognitive problems
Anxiety or depression

How can I prevent poisoning?

Taking the simple precautions below can help you avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to warn you when the gas is present at dangerous levels. Most newer homes and apartments are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, and they also are available at home improvement stores. Alarms should be checked regularly to ensure they are working properly and have working batteries.
Never let a car or other vehicle run in the garage without adequate ventilation, like an open garage door.
Don’t use gas or charcoal grills indoors or in covered areas.
Don’t swim near a jet ski or boat that is left running.
Never use portable generators indoors, regardless of how well a space is ventilated.
In open areas, allow at least 20 feet of space between yourself and running generators or space heaters.
Schedule yearly inspections for home heating systems such as oil- or gas-fed furnaces or space heaters.

Get more safety and personal preparedness tips on our UCLA Health Emergency Preparedness page at www.uclahealth.org/emergency.

Tags: carbon monoxide alarm, carbon monoxide poisoning, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, emergency preparedness, Healthy Living, National Safety Month, personal preparedness, safety, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, Wellness