Safety Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

In the aftermath of a storm or other weather-related emergency that causes a power outage, a generator can provide immediate relief. But using it incorrectly can also lead to injury or death.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is a by-product of appliances such as generators, gas heaters, charcoal grills or car engines. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 100,000 people visit the emergency room (ER) each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Each year, over a million cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are reported worldwide, making it one of the most common forms of poisoning,” said Dr. Analysa Gallegos, chief of emergency medicine at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. “Following weather events such as hurricanes and winter storms, we see an increase in patients seeking care for possible carbon monoxide poisoning due to the increased use of portable generators.”

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and treatment

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the “silent killer” as the gas often goes undetected. It can be especially dangerous while an individual is asleep. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are also hard to identify as symptoms often mimic the flu, food poisoning, heart disease and other illnesses.

“Patients may complain of headache, dizziness and, in more severe cases, experience confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness,” Dr. Gallegos says.

Additional symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Abnormal heart rhythm and heart attack

In addition to checking your heart rate and oxygen levels, a blood test can be performed in the ER to determine if a patient has carbon monoxide poisoning. Once confirmed, Dr. Gallegos explains that getting the patient on 100 percent oxygen is important.

“Because breathing carbon monoxide affects the body’s organs, it’s important that we immediately get pure oxygen into your system to prevent any long-term effects on your body,” says Dr. Gallegos.

If you suspect you or your loved one has been exposed to carbon monoxide, call 911 and go outdoors. If it’s unsafe to go outdoors, open a door or window and stay close to it so you breathe in fresh air rather than carbon monoxide fumes.

“If possible, turn off any likely sources such as space heaters and generators before leaving the house then call the fire department to inspect the home,” says Dr. Gallegos. “It’s important to have a qualified professional inspect your home before returning to ensure no ongoing carbon monoxide exposure is present.”

You can reduce your family’s risk of carbon monoxide with a few small steps.

“The easiest way to protect your family from carbon monoxide exposure is to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home,” says Dr. Gallegos.

To further protect your family from carbon monoxide exposure, remember:

• Do not start or idle gas lawn mowers, cars, trucks, or other vehicles in an enclosed area, even with the garage doors open
• Do not use a charcoal or gas grill inside your home
• Do not use a gas oven for heat inside your home
• When using gasoline-powered generators to supply electricity, keep the generator a safe distance away from your home