Winter’s chill brings an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide or “CO” is found in fumes produced by gas- and diesel-powered engines, furnaces, portable generators, stoves, lanterns, and gas ranges, and is released when charcoal and wood are burned. The gas can build up in a confined or enclosed space and can poison people and animals.
CO claims approximately 400 lives in the United States every year, and sickens many thousands more. In nearly every case, a suitable CO detector could have prevented these accidental poisonings.
Inexpensive, battery-operated CO detectors are available in hardware stores and many retail outlets. As with smoke detectors, it is important to test the units regularly and replace the batteries twice a year.
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning without noticeable symptoms.
For more information on CO poisoning prevention, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov.

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