Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Prevention - Capital Area Public ...

Warm Weather CarbonMonoxide Hazards• Gas or charcoal grill usedinside an enclosed area.• Gas-powered tools (lawnmower, generator, chainsaw) run in a home, garage, orunder a tarp.• Gas-fueled lanterns andstoves used inside a small,sealed area like a tent, trailer,or boat cabin.• “Teak surfing” or pulling“skiers” from a boat’s divingplatform.• Diving from or swimming nearhouseboat platforms while motor isrunning.• An improperly installed or poorlyfunctioning gas- or keroseneburningappliance.To report a dangerousproduct or a product-relatedinjury:Call the Consumer Product SafetyCommission’s toll-free hotline at1-800-638-2772 (TTY available at1-800-638-8270) or e-mail atinfo@cpcs.gov.Call theNorthern New EnglandPoison Center1-800-222-1222Voice/TTY/Interpretation Services AvailableRelay Service: 7-1-1Poison EmergenciesPrevention QuestionsMedication Safety24hrs ● Free ● Confidentialwww.nnepc.orgThe NNEPC is supported by: Maine Medical Center, a memberof the MaineHealth Family; Maine Center for Disease Controland Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services;The United Way; New Hampshire Department of Safety;Vermont Department of Health; Fletcher Allen Health Care.The NNEPC is also supported by funds received throughgrant # H4BHS00078 awarded by the Department of Healthand Human Services, Health Resources and ServicesAdministration. Its contents are solely the responsibility of theauthors and do not necessarily represent the official views ofthe Health Resources and Services Administration, Division ofHealthcare Preparedness, Healthcare Systems Bureau.Carbon MonoxidePoisoning andPreventionCarbon monoxide prevents oxygenfrom being carried in the blood.The “Invisible” KillerYou cannot see orsmell carbon monoxide --but at high levels itcan kill you in minutes.Northern New EnglandPoison Center

Carbon monoxide is a colorless,odorless, poisonous gas.It enters the body through the lungs,and is delivered to the blood. Itprevents the blood from carrying andusing oxygen properly, and harmsthe brain and other organs.Carbon monoxide is made whenfuels burn improperly. Many fuelscan produce carbon monoxide, suchas:• Wood• Oil• Natural gas• Gasoline• Kerosene• Propane• CoalSymptomsCarbon monoxide poisoning beginswith flu-like symptoms They include:• Headache• Fatigue• Shortness of breath• Nausea• DizzinessRisk of Poisoning• When appliances, equipment, orheating systems burn fuel, there isrisk of carbon monoxide poisoning ifthey are not working properly.(Electric appliances and electricheating systems do not producecarbon monoxide.)• If the appliances and equipmentdo not function as they should, haveworn parts, or are vented improperly,there is great risk for carbonmonoxide poisoning.Carbon Monoxide EmergencyIf you suspect that you have beenexposed to carbon monoxide:• Get to fresh air right away.• Call 911 or local fire department.• Call the Northern New EnglandPoison Center at 1-800-222-1222.Prevention Tips• Have appliances and heatingsystems installed by a professional.• Place carbon monoxidealarms close to sleeping areas.Place extra alarms on every leveland in every bedroom of a home formore protection.• Check battery-operated carbonmonoxide alarms monthly andreplace batteries according to themanufacturer’s instructions or whenbatteries are low.• Never run a portable generatorunder windows or indoors, includinggarages, basements andcrawlspaces.• Never burn charcoal inside ahome, garage, closed-in porch,vehicle or tent unless properlyvented to the outside.• Never leave a car running in agarage, even with the garage dooropen.• Have your furnace and chimneycleaned byprofessionals oncea year beforeheating season.