How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home in Winter

Every year, carbon monoxide poisoning brings more than 20,000 Americans to the emergency room, about 4,000 of whom are hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . In addition, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning (not related to fires).

Because the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is especially high in winter, here’s what you need to know about preventing it.

How does carbon monoxide poisoning happen?

According to the CDC , carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas present in fumes produced when fuel is burned to run cars, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas stoves, or stoves. Breathing air with a high carbon monoxide content can poison people and animals.

While it can happen at any time of the year, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is highest in winter, according to the National Safety Council (NSC) . This is because the ovens are on and the windows (which provide fresh air and ventilation) are closed. Also, as the NSC points out, people can turn on their cars to warm them up in the garage without opening the garage door (don’t do that), raising the carbon monoxide levels in the home.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning that a person experiences depend on the amount of carbon monoxide in the air and the length of exposure to it.

According to the NSC, symptoms of mild to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dyspnea
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

And more serious carbon monoxide poisoning includes symptoms such as:

  • Confusion
  • Vomit
  • Loss of muscle coordination
  • Loss of consciousness

If a person is exposed to carbon monoxide long enough, they can pass out and die. If you are experiencing the symptoms described above and think you are dealing with carbon monoxide poisoning, go outside immediately and get some fresh air.

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home

In addition to not starting your car in a garage with the door closed, here are some more carbon monoxide poisoning prevention tips courtesy of the CDC:

  • Install a battery (or backup) carbon monoxide detector in your home and remember to check the battery when you change the clock each spring and fall and replace it if necessary.
  • Have your stove, water heater, and any other gas or coal-fired equipment serviced annually.
  • Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned annually.
  • Make sure the fireplace damper is open before starting the fire and left open after the fire is out.
  • Never use a gas stove to heat your home.
  • Never operate the generator in a home, basement, or garage, or within 20 feet of any window, door, or vent.

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, leave your home immediately and call 911.

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