Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, wood, and charcoal are burned. When inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be transported to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs. This can lead to a range of symptoms, from headaches and dizziness to confusion, nausea, and even death. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), carbon monoxide poisoning kills more than 400 people each year and sends more than 20,000 to the emergency room.
One of the most dangerous aspects of carbon monoxide is that it is impossible to detect without a specialized carbon monoxide detector. Unlike other gases, such as natural gas, which have a distinctive odor, carbon monoxide is completely odorless. This means that it can build up inside a home without anyone knowing until it is too late. In fact, many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning occur during the winter months, when people are more likely to use fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, space heaters, and fireplaces.
Another common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is the use of portable generators, which are often used during power outages or in remote areas without access to electricity. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the risks associated with these generators, and may use them indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages or basements. This can quickly lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide buildup.
So what can you do to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide? The first step is to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. These detectors are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores. They work by sounding an alarm when carbon monoxide levels reach a certain threshold, alerting you to the presence of the gas.
In addition to installing a carbon monoxide detector, there are a number of other steps you can take to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. These include:
- Having your furnace, fireplace, and other fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced by a professional on a regular basis.
- Never using portable generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Avoiding the use of charcoal grills or other fuel-burning appliances indoors.
- Opening windows and doors for ventilation when using fuel-burning appliances.
- Never leaving a car running inside a closed garage, even if the garage door is open.
- Educating yourself and your family about the dangers of carbon monoxide and how to prevent exposure.
By taking these simple steps, you can greatly reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and keep yourself and your family safe. Remember, carbon monoxide is a silent killer, but with the right precautions, you can protect yourself and those you love.
“FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 27, 2020) – With recent temperatures below freezing, the Department for Public Health (DPH), within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), wants to remind residents to take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning (CO).
“Carbon monoxide poisonings are more likely during colder weather, so it is very important that Kentucky residents make sure their heating sources and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order,” said Rebecca Gillis, director of the DPH Division of Public Health Protection and Safety.
Since 2011, Kentucky law has required CO detectors in newly constructed one and two- family dwellings, townhomes less than three stories, apartment buildings, dormitories, adult/child care facilities and assisted living facilities which contain a fuel-burning- appliance or an attached garage.
In Kentucky, carbon monoxide poisoning sends over 200 people per year to the emergency room, according to data from the Kentucky’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Program. Data from the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Program tells us that an average of 17 Kentuckians die every year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. These deaths and trips to the emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning are preventable when people are prepared.
DPH’s mission is to improve the health and safety of people in Kentucky through prevention, promotion and protection. Officials at DPH strongly encourage residents to follow these guidelines below to prevent injury, illness or death:
Carbon Monoxide Safety
• Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors. Be sure to replace the batteries in your detector yearly and push the “Test” button to make certain it is working properly. Replace your detector every five years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected annually. Hire a professional to make sure it is functionally sound and vents properly outside the home.
• Never run a gasoline or propane heater or grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home or in an unventilated garage. Any heating system that burns fuel produces carbon monoxide. Use a battery-powered detector where you have fuel burning devices but no electric outlets, such as in tents, cabins, RVs, hunting blinds and boats with enclosed cabins.
• Generators should be run at a safe distance (at least 20-25 feet) from the home. Never run a generator in the home or garage, or right next to windows or doors.
• Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running, you must have a door open to the outside.
At high levels, carbon monoxide can cause death within minutes. Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide include headache, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and confusion. If you suspect you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, or your detector sounds an alarm, head outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.
More information about carbon monoxide poisoning can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/co/default.htm and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/464.pdf
Kentucky’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (EPHTN) was created in 2002 and is one of 26 CDC funded sites. With this funding, Kentucky has created a robust health and environmental data portal that informs consumers, communities, public health practitioners, researchers and policy makers on chronic diseases and related environmental hazards and population exposures. Kentucky’s data portal, EnviroHealthLink.org has Kentucky specific information on such topics as radon, social vulnerability, injury and mortality, air and water quality and much more. This data can being used for research, grant writing, student project/papers, strategic planning, needs assessments. Curious about the health in your county? Check out Community Snapshot Reports. Kentucky health or environmental data can be found at http://envirohealthlink.org/ or via email at chfs.kyephtn@ky.gov.