The Centers for Disease Control estimates that carbon monoxide poisoning claims nearly 500 lives, and causes more than 15,000 visits to hospital emergency departments annually.  Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is the most common type of fatal poisoning in the United States. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can cause damage to the central nervous system and the heart. Following a significant exposure to Carbon Monoxide an individual can suffer long-term effects that last a life time. Carbon Monoxide can also have severe effects on the fetus of a pregnant woman.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can happen as a result of many different activities.  The most common sources of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning today are motor vehicle exhaust, smoke from fires, engine fumes, and nonelectric heaters. Carbon monoxide poisoning typically occurs as a result of malfunctioning or obstructed exhaust systems.   

Potential Sources of Carbon Monoxide:    

Risks for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning include:   

• Riding in the back of enclosed pickup trucks   
• Working at pulp mills and steel foundries  
• Being involved in Fire Rescue Activities  
• Using heating sources or electric generators during power outages   
• Working indoors with combustion engines or combustible gases  
• Swimming near or under the stern or swim-step of a boat with the boat engine running  
• Back drafting when a boat is operated at a high bow angle  
• Mooring next to a boat that is running a generator or engine  
• Improper boat ventilation  

It can happen in the home, when a gas stove, boiler, water heater or other appliance is not properly installed or maintained. If it is not vented properly, exhaust containing carbon monoxide can be released into the home and cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. It is important that you have regular maintenance and inspection of gas stove, boilers, water heaters, and other appliances that could be sources for carbon monoxide in your home. It is vitally as important that you install Carbon Monoxide Detectors in your home. An ounce of prevention can save you and your family from death or a life of constant pain resulting from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can happen at work, when combustion powered vehicles or generators are used in poorly ventilated areas. If the Carbon Monoxide is allowed to build up over time anyone within those areas is at risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. It is important that you are aware of your surroundings and what machines and devices are operating around you. A common cause of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is the use of gas or propane powered forklifts in warehouses. If such vehicles are going to be used within an enclosed space, there needs to be enough ventilation to prevent the build of Carbon Monoxide.   It is very important that your employer ensures your safety by making sure there is adequate ventilation and carbon monoxide monitoring in place.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can happen in a vehicle or boat when the exhaust system has a leak in it and the exhaust enters the passenger compartment. The maintenance of your car or boat is very important in preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. The amount of Carbon Monoxide in the passenger compartment of a car or boat can build up quickly and without you realizing you are being poisoned. The results can be deadly. Make sure that your exhaust system is maintained properly and that it is checked on a regular basis.

It only takes one significant exposure to Carbon Monoxide to change your life and the life of your family forever.