You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What is carbon monoxide?
An odorless, colorless deadly gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuel. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States.
What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Symptoms include:
- • headache
- • nausea
- • vomiting
- • dizziness
- • sleepiness
- • trouble breathing
What are sources of carbon monoxide?
- • gas stoves used to heat the home
- • clogged or dirty chimneys
- • faulty heating systems
- • car engines running in an enclosed space, such as a garage
- • swimming decks of boats with inboard motors
- • charcoal grills used indoors or in a tent
How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
- • Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
- • Have chimneys and heating systems checked yearly by a professional technician.
- • Never run car engines while parked in a garage or against a snow bank.
- • Never use charcoal grills in a closed space such as a garage or tent.
- • Buy a carbon monoxide detector for your home and install it in sleeping areas.
- • A room with a kerosene or propane space heater should be well ventilated.
Should I use carbon monoxide detectors in my home?
Yes. Install carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas of your home. Follow the directions. If the alarm sounds, open all windows possible. Call your local fire department.
Who is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning?
Everyone is at risk. It is very dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn child, infants, seniors, and people with breathing problems.
The NYC Poison Control Center is an emergency hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pharmacists and nurses certified in poison information provide treatment advice about poisonings. All calls are free and confidential. Translators are available in 150 languages.
Educational materials and telephone stickers are available free of charge.
Call 1-800-222-1222 or 212-POISONS for more information. TDD 212-689-9014
