Protect Your Home from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As colder temperatures continue, the Green River District Health Department (GRDHD) is urging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning—one of the leading causes of unintentional poisoning deaths in the United States.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced whenever fuel or other organic materials are burned. Common sources include furnaces, gas ranges, fireplaces, space heaters, generators, vehicles, and grills. Because CO cannot be seen or smelled, dangerous levels can build up indoors without warning.
Why This Matters
Each year in the United States, exposure to carbon monoxide results in more than 20,000 emergency department visits, approximately 4,000 hospitalizations, and over 400 deaths. In Kentucky alone, carbon monoxide continues to be a serious public health concern. In 2020, the age-adjusted rate of emergency department visits for CO poisoning was 3.88 per 100,000 residents, with an age-adjusted hospitalization rate of 0.62. That same year, Kentucky recorded 174 emergency department visits and 31 hospitalizations related to carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is Known
Carbon monoxide is released any time fuel is burned in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. Breathing CO can prevent oxygen from reaching vital organs. High levels can cause loss of consciousness or death, sometimes before symptoms are recognized. People who are asleep or under the influence of alcohol are especially at risk.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu and may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
Who is Most at Risk
The risk of CO poisoning increases during cold weather and power outages, when residents may use alternative heat sources or generators to stay warm. Using grills, gas ranges, or generators indoors or too close to the home can allow carbon monoxide to accumulate quickly and cause serious illness.
How to Reduce Your Risk
GRDHD recommends the following steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas; check and replace batteries twice a year
- Have gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced annually by a qualified technician
- Ensure chimneys and vents are inspected and cleaned yearly
- Never use gas ranges, grills, charcoal, camp stoves, or portable heaters to heat your home
- Never operate generators inside the home, garage, or near windows or doors
- Never patch vent pipes with tape or gum
Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Taking these simple precautions can save lives during the winter season.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety, visit cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide.
