Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Use of gas-powered appliances such as generators, and charcoal or gas grills following a storm increases the number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases and fatalities. However, improper use of this equipment can lead to serious injury or even death.

Carbon monoxide is known as a “silent killer.” It is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, carbon monoxide may cause:

VDH recommends the following precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace.
• Never use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home.
• Always locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents and air-conditioning equipment that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Position the unit outdoors and away from doors, windows, vents and air conditioning equipment that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and flues) inspected each year for proper operations and leakage.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors or plug-in carbon monoxide detectors with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The carbon monoxide detectors should conform to the latest safety standards for carbon monoxide detectors (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, or CSA 6.19.01).
• Test your carbon monoxide detectors frequently and replace dead batteries.
• If your carbon monoxide detector indicates high levels of carbon monoxide, leave the building immediately and call 911.
• Remember that you cannot see or smell carbon monoxide and portable generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. Do not delay.
• If you have a poisoning emergency, call the national Poison Information Center number at (800) 222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently have provided 30- and 15-second carbon monoxide awareness public service announcements in English and Spanish. The CDC is encouraging radio stations to download the public service announcements free from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/carbonmonoxide.asp.

Other broadcast and print media can also use the information to alert viewers and readers.