Department of Health and Human Services

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Appliances 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, over 200 people in the United States die from CO exposure. Last winter in North Carolina, eight people died from CO poisoning and hundreds visited hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

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

Who is at Risk?

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

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

The initial symptoms of CO poisoning resemble the flu. The symptoms include: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

If you are experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately! Open windows and doors for ventilation and turn off any combustible appliances and leave the house. Call 911 or have someone take you to a hospital emergency room and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If you do nothing you could lose consciousness and die.

CO Poisoning Prevention

• 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 or generators indoors, or outdoors near doors and windows.



• Do not operate un-vented fuelburning appliances in rooms with closed doors and windows or in rooms, where people are sleeping.

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.

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