N.C. Public Health, Health and Human Services
DHHS DPH Epidemiology Occupational and Environmental A-Z Carbon Monoxide

Epidemiology: Occupational and Environmental

Carbon Monoxide

Danger! Protect Yourself and Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Health Effects and Symptoms: Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The initial symptoms of CO poisoning resemble the flu. The symptoms include: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. People who are exposed while sleeping or drinking can die from CO poisoning without noticing symptoms.

 

If you are experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately! If you do nothing, you could lose consciousness and die!

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 What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Appliances, generators, heaters, and power tools fueled with natural gas, liquefied petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal, gasoline, or wood may produce CO. Burning charcoal and running cars also produce CO.

Every year, approximately 450 people in the United States die from CO exposure and thousands visit hospital emergency rooms for treatment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Cold weather or storms can be a time of increased exposures from gas-powered generators, kerosene heaters and other "fueled" heating or cooking methods. Care should be taken to ensure that only heating appliances approved for indoor use are used indoors and that rooms are adequately ventilated. Generators should be used outdoors only and placed well away from windows, doors, and vents. Boating can also pose a hazard for carbon monoxide poisoning. Some larger boats tend to have generators that vent toward the back of the boat, causing an increased danger for people swimming near the rear deck.

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning or death from CO exposure. However, unborn babies, children, the elderly, and individuals with existing upper respiratory conditions are at greater risk for illness or death.

 What to Do?

CDC and NCDHHS Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Poster (PDF, 433 KB)

If you are experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately! If you do nothing, you could lose consciousness and die.

  • Open windows and doors for ventilation
  • Turn off any combustible appliances
  • Leave the building
  • Call 911 or have someone take you to a hospital emergency room
  • Tell the nurse or doctor that you suspect CO poisoning

Steps to follow if any signs or symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

 Prevention Guidance

Carbon monoxide illness and death is preventable with several easy steps:

  • Install a CO detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the IAS 6-96 standard.
  • Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • Never burn charcoal indoors.
  • Never use portable camping equipment indoors.
  • Never leave a car running in an attached garage.
  • Never use gas appliances, such as a stove, to heat your home.
  • Do not use gasoline-powered tools such as concrete saws or generators indoors, or outdoors near doors and windows.
  • Do not operate un-vented fuel-burning appliances in rooms with closed doors and windows, or in rooms where people are sleeping.

 Prevention Posters, Infographics and Factsheets

Poster

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Infographic

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Poster (PDF, 433 KB)

Infographic

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Infographic

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Infographic (PDF, 599 KB)

Factsheets

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Infographic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Infographic

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Factsheet (PDF, 477 KB)

For Workplaces

For First Responders

 North Carolina CO Incidents

  • A man and his dog were found dead in a trailer where a kerosene heater and gas generator were being used.
  • A woman died in her apartment and another resident was treated for CO poisoning after using a charcoal grill for heat.
  • Five people became ill and were transported to a local hospital emergency room after using a propane cooker in their home.
  • A man died from CO poisoning when he placed a generator on his porch and fumes filled the home through a crack in the window and door. Another resident who was using oxygen for medical reasons survived.
  • A family using a gas-powered generator in the garage all suffered from dizziness and fatigue.
  • A woman was found dead in her living room. She had left her car running in the garage under the living room.

 Facts and Figures

 Additional Information

Last Modified: December 28, 2021