By Dr. Juleen Qandah
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the most dangerous—and preventable—household emergencies. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and completely invisible. Every year, it sends thousands of people to emergency departments across the United States, and tragically, it can be fatal if not recognized quickly.
Recent events in our community have understandably raised concern and questions. This article is meant to explain what carbon monoxide poisoning is, how it happens, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect your family.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a gas produced when fuels like natural gas, oil, propane, gasoline, wood, or coal do not burn completely. Any appliance or system that burns fuel has the potential to produce carbon monoxide.
When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood far more tightly than oxygen does. This prevents oxygen from reaching vital organs such as the brain and heart and also disrupts cells’ ability to produce energy. The result can be rapid and severe illness.
Why Carbon Monoxide is So Dangerous
• You cannot smell or see it
• It does not cause air hunger like smoke or carbon dioxide
• It can cause confusion and drowsiness before pain or panic
• People often do not realize they are being poisoned
Carbon monoxide exposure can incapacitate people quietly—sometimes while they are awake, and very often while they are sleeping.
Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide in Homes
Carbon monoxide most commonly comes from:
• Furnaces, boilers, or old heating systems
• Gas or oil water heaters
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Gas stoves or ovens (especially if used for heat)
• Portable heaters
• Vehicles running in garages (even briefly)
• Generators or grills used indoors or near windows
• Blocked or snow-covered exhaust vents
Homes with older heating systems are at higher risk, especially during cold weather when systems run continuously.
What to Do If a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off
Get everyone outside immediately to fresh air
Call 911 or your local fire department
Do not re-enter the home until it has been evaluated and cleared
Seek medical evaluation if anyone has symptoms—even mild ones
Do not ventilate first or try to “find the source” yourself.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Symptoms often depend on the level of exposure and how quickly it rises.
Early symptoms may include:
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Flu-like feelings without fever
• Trouble concentrating or confusion
More severe symptoms include:
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart disease may become ill more quickly.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors save lives, but it’s important to understand how they work.
• Detectors are designed to alarm before life-threatening exposure, not at very low levels
• Low-level exposure can still cause symptoms before alarms sound
Where Carbon Monoxide Detectors Should Be Placed
Carbon monoxide detectors are only effective if they are properly placed throughout the home. One detector is not enough.
Recommended placement includes:
At least one carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home:
• Basement (especially if the furnace or boiler is there)
• Main living level
• Upper floors
Outside sleeping areas:
• In the hallway just outside bedrooms
Inside bedrooms, especially if:
• Bedrooms are far from the heating system
• Doors are closed at night
• Anyone in the home is a child, older adult, pregnant, or has heart or lung disease
Near (but not directly next to) fuel-burning appliances:
• Avoid placing detectors right next to furnaces, stoves, or fireplaces, which can cause nuisance alarms
Important Tips
• Do not place detectors right next to windows, doors, or vents
• Check batteries regularly
• Replace detectors according to manufacturer guidelines (usually every 5–10 years)
Having detectors on every level and near sleeping areas ensures that alarms will sound early enough to wake people and prompt action—especially at night, when carbon monoxide exposure is most dangerous.
How to Reduce Your Risk
• Have heating systems inspected annually by a licensed professional
• Keep vents and exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris
• Never use grills, generators, or heaters indoors
• Never run vehicles in enclosed spaces
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors
• Take symptoms seriously—even if they seem mild
A Final Word
Carbon monoxide poisoning is frightening—but it is also preventable. Awareness, proper maintenance, and functioning detectors are the most powerful tools we have to protect our families.
If you ever feel unwell at home and cannot explain why, trust your instincts. Get outside and seek help. When it comes to carbon monoxide, early action saves lives.
