Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas and is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” It is produced by burning any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal. If a person becomes exposed to carbon monoxide for too long a period of time, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur, which can be potentially fatal. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can become deadly in just a few minutes.

Malfunctioning appliances, such as furnaces, stoves, ovens and water heaters that operate by burning fossil fuels such as natural or propane gas, are potential causes of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Other causes include vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, blocked chimney flues, gas water heaters, kerosene space heaters, charcoal grills, propane stoves and propane-fueled machinery, and gas powered tools. 

A majority of carbon monoxide poisonings occur during the fall and winter months. Power outages in colder months can also lead to a high number of carbon monoxide poisonings, as people struggle to find ways to heat their homes.

The symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Slight headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

Those exposed to a low, but still harmful, amount of carbon monoxide might feel sick while at home, but feel much better when out in fresh air. The sickness returns shortly after the person gets home.

The symptoms of medium exposure to carbon monoxide include:

• Throbbing headache
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Increased heart rate

Extreme exposure to carbon monoxide can result in:

• Loss of consciousness
• Convulsions
• Death
  

The most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is with a carbon monoxide monitor, which can be purchased from local hardware stores. If your carbon monoxide monitor indicates a dangerous level of carbon monoxide in your home, leave immediately and call 911.

Other prevention methods:

• Make sure appliances that use natural or propane gas are properly ventilated
• Make sure a fresh air source is present when burning fuels indoors
• Never use any gasoline-powered engines such as mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators in enclosed spaces
• Check chimneys and flues for blockages
• Never use a charcoal grill, camp stoves, or other gasoline or charcoal burning device indoors, in tents, campers or near windows.
  

The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can occur immediately after exposure.

The treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning is high-dose oxygen, usually using a facemask attached to an oxygen reserve bag.

Of those cases, 34 were reported in Northern Kentucky.  

For more information online, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov.  

Or, for more information on the Health Department’s programs, please call 859.341.4264.