Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Summary Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that has no odor or color. But it is very dangerous. It can cause sudden illness and death. CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those made by cars and trucks, lanterns, stoves, gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these fumes can build up in places that don’t have a good flow of fresh air. You can be poisoned by breathing them in. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are Headache Dizziness Weakness Nausea Vomiting Chest pain Confusion It is often hard to tell if someone has CO poisoning, because the symptoms may be like those of other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. A CO detector can warn you if you have high levels of CO in your home. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Array “Invisible” Killer Consumer Product Safety Commission Carbon monoxide poisoning Hemoglobin derivatives Start Here Carbon Monoxide (CO) Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Environments Division Carbon Monoxide Information Center Consumer Product Safety Commission Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Carbon Monoxide Safety United States Fire Administration Prevention and Risk Factors Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Carbon Monoxide Hazards from Small Gasoline Powered Engines National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Carbon Monoxide Poisoning American Red Cross Carbon Monoxide Safety Federal Emergency Management Agency CPSC Warns of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with Camping Equipment Consumer Product Safety Commission When Your Furnace Kicks On, Be Sure Poison Gas Isn’t Coming Out Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning National Institutes of Health Find an Expert Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Encyclopedia Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Seniors Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Information for Older Adults and Their Caregivers Environmental Protection Agency Children Protecting Children from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning American Academy of Pediatrics Journal Articles Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Videos and Tutorials Quiet Killer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Related Issues Tips on Protecting Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Environmental Protection Agency Specifics Tox Town National Library of Medicine