THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CAUTIONS AGAINST CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING THIS WINTER

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) urges Floridians to take precautions to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning during the colder winter months or during any situation involving a loss of power.  As temperatures drop, the potential for CO poisonings and deaths rise.

“Carbon monoxide is dangerous and can be fatal if people and pets are exposed to high levels, even for short periods of time,” said Dr. Lisa Conti, Director of the DOH Division of Environmental Health.  “Floridians who use indoor gas heaters and fireplaces should ensure the heaters exhaust to the outdoors, regularly check and maintain fuel burning appliances, and be aware of the signs of CO poisoning.  Properly working CO alarms can save lives by alerting you to life threatening levels of carbon monoxide.”

Invisible, odorless and tasteless, CO is a highly poisonous gas produced by burning fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, kerosene, charcoal and wood.  Inside a home, CO can come from a gas-fueled furnace, gas water heater, gas clothes dryer, gas ranges, kerosene space heaters, portable generators, gas or charcoal grills, fireplaces or wood stoves.  The risk of illness or death increases with the level of CO in the air and the amount of time exposed.  Dangerous CO levels can result when home appliances are not properly maintained or when used incorrectly.

The common signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, lethargy (or fatigue), weakness, abdominal discomfort/pain, confusion and dizziness. Other signs and symptoms may include blurred vision, numbness and tingling, ataxia, irritability, agitation, chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Anyone who suspects symptoms of CO poisoning should go outside the home or building immediately and seek prompt medical attention.  If a person has collapsed or is not breathing, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance immediately from a safer location such as outside or from a neighbor's home. Children, pregnant women and people with heart condition are most vulnerable.

DOH suggests these tips to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

Install and use fuel-burning appliances according to manufacturer instructions.
Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the home.
Have fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced annually by a licensed contractor.
Inspect exhaust ventilation systems every year, including chimneys, flues and vents.
Never burn charcoal inside a house, garage, vehicle or tent, even in a fireplace.
Avoid using unvented gas or kerosene heaters in enclosed spaces, especially sleeping areas. Never leave an automobile running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
Do not leave the rear window or tailgate of a vehicle open while driving.  CO from the exhaust can be pulled inside the car, van or camper.
Install battery operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup inside the house according to manufacturer’s installation instructions or NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment.
The CO alarm should meet the most recent UL 2034 standard, IAS 6-96 standard or the CSA 6.19.01 standard.
Replace CO alarm batteries once a year and test alarms frequently.
Replace CO alarms as recommended by the alarm manufacturer.
Never use a portable generator or a fuel-powered tool indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas.
Always place portable generators outdoors on a dry surface, faraway from doors, windows, vents and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to enter.  Orient the generator so the exhaust port is pointing away from the home.

For more information about suspected poisoning emergencies, call the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. 

The U.S. Coast Guard is offering tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning for boaters at:  http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/carbon_monoxide.aspx. 

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