Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. It is produced when fuel is burned incompletely. This can happen in homes, workplaces, public places, and even when staying at hotels, resorts, or friend/family homes.

CO poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, CO poisoning can be fatal.

There are a number of things you can do to avoid CO poisoning in any setting.

At Home

• Install a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home, outside of each sleeping area. Carbon monoxide alarms are inexpensive and can save your life.
• Have your heating system, water heater, and any other fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced by a qualified technician annually.
• Keep vents and flues free of debris. Debris can block ventilation lines and allow CO to build up in your home.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside your home. These devices produce CO, which can quickly build up in a confined space.
• Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any other gasoline-powered engine inside your home, garage, or other enclosed space. Even if you keep the doors and windows open, CO can still build up in these areas.

At Work

• If your workplace has fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, or generators, make sure that they are properly maintained and inspected by a qualified technician.
• If you work in a garage or other enclosed space where gasoline-powered engines are used, make sure that the area is well-ventilated.
• If you ever experience any symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness, immediately leave the area and get fresh air.

In Public

• Be aware of the potential for CO poisoning in public places, such as parking garages, boathouses, and RV parks.
• If you are ever in a public place where you suspect that there may be a CO leak, such as if you smell a strong odor of gasoline or exhaust, immediately leave the area and get fresh air.

When Staying at Hotels, Resorts, or Friend/Family Homes

• When staying at a hotel, resort, or friend/family home, ask if the property has carbon monoxide alarms. If the property does not have carbon monoxide alarms, request that they be installed.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a hotel, resort, or friend/family home.
• If you are staying in a hotel or resort room with a fireplace, make sure the fireplace is properly vented.
• If you are staying in a hotel or resort room with a gas-fired water heater or furnace, ask the property to test the appliances for CO leaks.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to CO, call 911 immediately. CO poisoning is a medical emergency.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The symptoms of CO poisoning can be similar to other illnesses, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Symptoms of CO poisoning can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

Treatment for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

There is no specific treatment for CO poisoning. Treatment focuses on removing the CO from the body and supporting vital functions. Treatment may include:

• Administering oxygen
• Providing fluids
• Administering medications to help with nausea and vomiting
• Treating any other complications that may have occurred as a result of the CO poisoning

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The best way to prevent CO poisoning is to be aware of the risks and take steps to avoid them. By following the tips above, you can help to keep yourself and your family safe from this deadly gas.