For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: October 26, 2006

Cooler weather marks return of silent killer

RALEIGH – The fall season marks a break from the the hot weather of the summer months, but it also heralds the return of a potential killer in some homes.

In the last five years, 71 North Carolinians died as the result of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. According to Nevada Wolfe, public health epidemiologist in the Injury and Violence Prevention Branch of the state Division of Public Health, carbon monoxide is a gas both invisible and odorless, and yet it has the potential to kill you and your family in a matter of minutes.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel is burned, including gas, oil, kerosene, propane, wood or charcoal. In an enclosed space, CO can build up to deadly levels without anyone noticing it. High levels of CO can kill people in minutes if they do not immediately get fresh air. Even at low levels, people can experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea or fainting.

“Gas furnaces and other fuel burning appliances are common sources of CO, but even all-electric homes can harbor sources of CO poisoning such as grills and generators,” Wolfe said “When people experience power outages, these alternative sources of heating and cooking are very helpful, but potentially dangerous. Always use this equipment carefully and according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, all homes should be equipped with a functioning CO detector to protect people and pets.”

Wolfe cautions everyone not to use gas-powered generators, grills and heaters indoors or in enclosed spaces, such as garages or glass-enclosed porches. This prohibition also includes operating or using grills and generators near windows, since CO may leak into the house.

“There have been cases of folks unintentionally poisoning themselves by placing a generator outside a window. The CO leaks into the home and accumulates inside, causing potential problems. We’ve also seen cases where people moved generators away from their own house, but in the process unintentionally poisoned their neighbors,” she said.

If you suspect CO is present in your home, Wolfe’s advice is to get out of the house immediately, get fresh air and seek medical help.

• If you or a family member experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:
  
  GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
• GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.
• DON’T IGNORE THE SYMPTOMS, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause. See a doctor to be sure.

For more information on carbon monoxide, see the Environmental Protection Agency fact sheet, “Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning,” at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html.

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