Lower Temperatures Bring Higher Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO), sometimes referred to as the silent killer, causes more than 100,000 emergency department visits in the United States and more than 400 deaths each year. In Utah, there were 276 emergency department visits and zero deaths reported in 2023 (the most recent numbers available) for CO poisoning. During the winter, the risk for CO poisoning increases. Utah Poison Control Center, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Unified Fire Authority, and Enbridge Gas Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho (formerly Dominion Energy), join together to warn Utahns about the danger of CO poisoning, share information on the symptoms associated with it, provide tips to prevent it, and what steps to take if you suspect CO poisoning.

What is CO?

CO is an odorless, invisible gas produced when gasoline, natural gas, propane, kerosene, and other fuels are not completely burned during use. Automobile exhaust is a common source of CO, but small gasoline engines, camp lanterns and stoves, charcoal and gas grills, gas ranges, and furnaces also produce it. When these are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous amounts of CO can build up indoors or in enclosed spaces and poison people and pets who breathe it in. 

What are the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

Because you can’t see or smell CO, knowing the signs of CO poisoning is important. The most common symptoms include:

• Headache and dizziness (usually affecting more than one person in the same enclosed area)
• Upset stomach, vomiting, and weakness
• The disappearance of symptoms when people leave the area

How can I Prevent CO Poisoning?

CO poisoning is preventable. Following are important steps people can take to help keep themselves and others safe.

• Heating systems, water heaters, and any other gas-, oil-, wood-, or coal-burning appliances should be serviced by a licensed technician every year.
• Install an Underwriters Laboratory-approved CO detector on each level of your home near sleeping areas. Check or replace the battery twice a year. (An easy way to remember is to do this when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.)  Boats and recreational vehicles with propane stoves or heaters should also be equipped with CO detectors.
• Inspect your home after heavy snowfall and make sure snow is removed from around exhaust stacks, vents, and fresh-air intakes.
• Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, or garage. Generators should be located outside at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. 
• Do not run a car, truck, or other motorized vehicle inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open. 
• Do not burn anything in an unvented stove or fireplace. 
• Do not heat your house with a natural gas oven.
  
  Installing and maintaining smoke detectors can prevent most fire-related CO poisonings. 

What steps should I take if I suspect CO poisoning?

Everyone is at risk of CO poisoning and information is the best way to prevent it. If your CO detector alarms continuously follow these steps immediately:

• Leave the home, building, or enclosed space to get people to fresh air.
• Get medical help right away if you or others feel dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.
• Call 911 if someone is unconscious or has trouble breathing.

Call your local natural gas company to report the problem.