Sadly, the news today reported the story of another Rhode Island family poisoned by carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that can be dangerous, and even deadly. It comes from things that burn fuel, like gas or propone furnaces and gas water heaters, portable generators, or a car engine running in a garage.
The signs
When people are exposed to CO, there are signs, including:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
If you experience any of these signs, get fresh air immediately and call 9-1-1.
With higher levels, people may experience confusion, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination, loss of consciousness or even death.
Prevention
- Be sure to get a working CO detector and have it properly installed in your home.
- Have your furnace, hot water heater, wood stove and chimney inspected before each heating season
- Never use a generator indoors
- Never run a car engine in a garage, even with the door open
- Don’t use charcoal indoors or grill in an enclosed space.
- Don’t use your gas oven to heat your home
For more information, visit our 4-Safety Program resources, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Find a Doctor
