How To Stay Safe: Spotting Carbon Monoxide Poisoning And Preventing Risks

The Oklahoma Poison Center is reminding people to take extra steps to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning as it gets colder out.

Experts say items like charcoal grills, camp stoves, portable generators and other gasoline-burning devices should never be used inside or in a confined space.

They say to make sure vents, chimneys and exhaust pipes are clear of debris and that you should install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.

Early Symptoms

1. Headache – Often described as dull or throbbing.
2. Dizziness – Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
3. Weakness – Generalized fatigue or muscle weakness.
4. Nausea and Vomiting – Often mistaken for food poisoning or flu.
5. Shortness of Breath – Difficulty breathing, especially with activity.
6. Confusion – Mental fog, inability to focus, or disorientation.

Advanced Symptoms

1. Blurred Vision – Trouble seeing clearly.
2. Chest Pain – Particularly in people with heart conditions.
3. Loss of Consciousness – A critical and life-threatening symptom.
4. Seizures – Rare but possible in severe poisoning.

Who Is at Risk?

1. Children and Elderly – More susceptible due to less efficient detoxification.
2. People with Chronic Illness – Heart or respiratory conditions can exacerbate symptoms.
3. Pregnant Individuals – CO exposure can harm the fetus.

Preventive Tips

1. Install carbon monoxide detectors in key areas of your home.
2. Ensure proper ventilation for appliances and heaters.
3. Never use gas-powered equipment or charcoal grills indoors.

According to the CDC, at least 420 people die and more than 100,000 people are hospitalized a year in the United State from carbon monoxide poisoning.

In January, an Oklahoma woman shared her story of survival after nearly dying from carbon monoxide poisoning. “It was the generators during the ice storms, so we had generators going and there was, unfortunately, no airflow,” she said.

Last year, two Tulsa high school students were killed by an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning while in a parked car that investigators said filled with lethal amounts of the gas, even while parked outside.

Oklahoma passed Andy's Law to protect people from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning while boating after a nine-year-old boy died on Lake Eufaula in 2020 after inhaling too much of the gas on the back of the boat.

HERE is more from CBS News on carbon monoxide detection and home security systems.