For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: December 15, 2005

N.C. Division of Public Health Warns of the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide During Cold Weather and Power Outages

RALEIGH—Power generators, gas grills, and charcoal grills—used indoors—can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas stoves, unvented space heaters, and unvented fireplaces used improperly as heat sources can also be sources of carbon monoxide, say experts from the N.C. Division of Public Health.

You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but it can kill you and your family or make you very sick. 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.

In cold weather, many people use fuel-burning heaters to keep warm. And when electricity goes out during an ice or snow storm, people often turn to gasoline-powered generators for power, use charcoal or gas grills for cooking, or use kerosene heaters and gas stoves for warmth. But many people do not realize that those generators, grills, heaters and gas stoves can create dangerous—and deadly—carbon monoxide gas if used in enclosed and improperly vented spaces.

High levels of CO can kill people in minutes if they do not immediately get fresh air. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these moderate levels persist for a long time. Low levels of CO can cause dizziness, mild nausea, and mild headaches. Also, persistent low-level exposure may have long-term effects on your health. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever becoming aware of any symptoms. If you suspect CO is present in the home, get out of the house immediately, get fresh air, seek medical help, and get your home checked for carbon monoxide.

To keep yourself and your family safe, follow these precautions:

• DO keep rooms well ventilated.
• DO follow the instructions that come with any fuel-burning device, including generators. Use the proper fuel and make sure there is enough air for ventilation and proper fuel burning.
• DO install a gasoline-powered generator outside, in a dry place that is well away from doors, windows or vents, to prevent exhaust fumes from being drawn into the house.
• DO make sure that all combustion (fuel-burning) appliances are properly installed, operated and maintained, following all manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
• DO install a CO alarm if you use any combustion appliances such as gas hot-water heaters, gas or oikl furnaces, a gas range or dryer, or any fireplace. Battery operated alarms or plug-in alarms with a battery backup should be used and installed according to manufacturer instructions. The CO alarm should be certified to meet the latest safety standards for CO alarms. The CO alarms should be tested frequently and the batteries replaced at least once a year.
• DO have your oil or gas heating system inspected annually. The inspection should include chimneys, flues, vents, and any other exhaust ventilation system.
• NEVER use a charcoal grill or propane stove indoors or in a garage – not even in a fireplace.
• DO NOT use a generator indoors (or any other gasoline-powered engines, such as a mower or chain saws). Indoor spaces include homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home.
• DO NOT run a gasoline-powered generator next to the house near any windows, doors or vents—carbon monoxide can enter a home that way, too.
• DO NOT use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
• DO NOT idle your car or truck in the garage– even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
• DO NOT leave the rear window or tailgate of a vehicle open while driving, as CO from the exhaust of a van, camper, or car can be pulled into the vehicle.

If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:

• DO GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
• DO 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.
• NEVER ignore 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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