Carbon Monoxide

The silent killer

It has no color, odor, or taste and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it kills over 400 people and sends at least 15,000 Americans to the emergency room every year. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas given off by gas furnaces, cars, charcoal grills, propane stoves, and portable generators. Most unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings happen in January, and the second most in December. The fewest are in the summer months of July and August. As we begin another Montana winter, it is important to recognize the causes and signs of CO poisoning to keep your family safe and healthy.

People suffering carbon monoxide poisoning often don’t realize it. This is because the symptoms – headaches, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and nausea – are common complaints. Non-lethal CO exposures can cause long-lasting brain issues such as learning and memory impairments. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the CDC recommends:

• Every year, have a qualified technician check your heating systems, water heaters, and other gas-, oil-, or coalburning appliances.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in homes and change the batteries when you change the clocks for daylight-saving time.
• Seek medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning is the cause of your dizziness or nausea.
• Never use generators, camp stoves, charcoal grills, or any other gas- or oil-burning device inside the home. Never use these devices outside the home near a window.
• Never run a motor vehicle inside the garage, even if the garage door is open.
• Never burn anything in a fireplace or stove that is not vented to the outside.
• Never heat your house with a gas oven.

You can learn more about carbon monoxide and how to prevent exposure to it at the CDC website (cdc.gov/co) or by contacting your county Extension office.