JACKSON, Wyo. — With a Winter Storm Watch potentially causing many locals to find comfort in their homes this weekend, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is sharing tips for preventing carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
According to the WDH, CO is a colorless and odorless gas that kills hundreds of people every year. WDH Public Information Officer Kim Deti shared a press release from the Nebraska Poison Center outlining ways people can protect themselves from this “silent killer.”
“Understanding where CO can come from and how to prevent it is key to keeping your home and loved ones safe,” the Nebraska Poison Center said via press release.
CO is a gas produced from heat sources when there is not enough oxygen to burn the fuel completely (incomplete combustion), per the press release.
Sources of CO include:
- Furnaces: If the furnace or its venting system is malfunctioning or not properly maintained, CO can build up in the home.
- Fireplaces and space heaters: Both gas and wood-burning types can emit CO if not vented properly or used in an enclosed space.
- Water heaters: Gas-powered heaters can produce CO if there’s incomplete combustion or if venting is blocked.
- Gas clothes dryers: Like other appliances, dryers can leak CO if not vented properly or if there is an issue with the appliance.
- Stoves, grills, generators and power tools: Using these inside or in poorly ventilated areas can cause CO to accumulate.
- Vehicles: Running a car or any vehicle that burns fossil fuels in an enclosed or attached space, like a garage, can cause dangerous CO buildup.
- Other outdoor equipment: Lawnmowers, snow blowers and even camping equipment like charcoal grills can all produce CO when used improperly indoors or in small, enclosed spaces.
Older adults, especially those over 65, are at higher risk of CO poisoning, according to WDH. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and loss of consciousness. These symptoms can be mistaken for the flu or other illnesses.
Tips for CO poisoning prevention:
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home; replace batteries every 6 months.
- Recognize the early symptoms of CO poisoning.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly.
- Ventilate fuel and gas-burning heaters to the outside.
- Never use a charcoal grill or hibachi inside.
- Do not use a gas range or an oven for heating a room.
- Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
- Run generators at a safe distance from the home – never next to a window or a door.
- Have vehicle muffler and tailpipes checked regularly.
- Avoid sitting in a car with the engine running if deep snow or mud is blocking the exhaust pipe.
The first step in treating a person with CO poisoning is to make sure they have fresh air. If someone has been exposure to CO, further treatment in a healthcare facility could be necessary.
If someone suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.
