Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The recent dip in tempartures has left many in the area scrambling for ways to keep warm this season. However, in an effort to stay warm, some Mecklenburg County residents may resort to drastic measures that could endanger their lives and the lives of their loved ones. These drastic measures include the use of kerosene/gas space heaters, stoves, gas ranges, generators or burning wood/charcoal as a primary heating source. The use of these items are not only dangerous and pose the risk of fire, but also death or serious injury from carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (also known as CO) is a colorless, odorless and toxic gas found in combustion fumes.

Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous?

Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide cuts off oxygen to the brain and heart and is especially dangerous for the following reasons:

it is a colorless and odorless gas
inhaling carbon monoxide at high levels can result in unconsciousness and death
symptoms of carbon monoxide are similar to other illnesses
people sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning without experiencing any symptoms

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

headache
dizziness
weakness
nausea
vomiting
chest pain
confusion

**If you or anyone you know, experiences the above symptoms while using natural gas or oil-fueled appliances as a primary heating source, call 911 immediately!**

How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

At Home

Have your heating system and chimney checked each year by a qualified technician
Do not use portable or flameless chemical heaters in your home
Never burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented
Never use a gas range, oven or generator as a primary heating source
Never use charcoal or barbecue grill indoors
Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home and check the batteries every fall and spring

Effective January 1st, 2010 a Mecklenburg County ordinance requires carbon monoxide detectors in all residences with natural gas or oil-fueled appliances.**

In Your Vehicle

Have your vehicle’s exhaust system checked by a mechanic every year
Never run a vehicle in the garage with the garage door shut

Helpful Links

For more information on the dangers of carbon monoxide, how you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or Mecklenburg County’s carbon monoxide detector ordinance, please click on these helpful links below.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet - CDC

Intoxicacion Por Monoxido de Carbono - CDC

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Mon Xido de Carbon: El Asesino Silencioso

Mecklenburg County Carbon Monoxide Detector Ordinance

Kohlenmonoxidvergiftung - Fakten und Hintergründe (Deutsch)

Fiche d’information sur l’empoisonnement au monoxyde de carbone (Français)

Ficha informativa sobre o envenenamento por monóxido de carbono (Português)