How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home During the Winter

Photo: BOKEH STOCK (Shutterstock)

Each year, carbon monoxide poisoning brings more than 20,000 Americans to the emergency room—around 4,000 of whom are hospitalized, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. Additionally, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning (not linked to fires).

With the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning being especially high during the winter, here’s what to know about preventing it.

How does carbon monoxide poisoning happen?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas present in the fumes produced when fuel burns to operate motor vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces, according to the CDC. Breathing air with high levels of carbon monoxide can poison humans and animals.

Although it can occur any time of the year, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is highest during the winter, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports. This is because furnaces are on, and windows (which would provide fresh air and ventilation) are closed. Plus, as the NSC points out, people may turn on their cars to warm them in the garage without opening the garage door (don’t do that), increasing carbon monoxide levels in a home.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning a person experiences depends on the amount of the gas in the air, and the length of their exposure to it.

According to the NSC, the symptoms of low-to-moderate carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness

And higher-level, more serious carbon monoxide poisoning includes symptoms like:

Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness

If a person’s exposure to carbon monoxide is long enough, they could lose consciousness and die. If you experience the symptoms above and think you may be dealing with carbon monoxide poisoning, go outside immediately and get some fresh air.