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

Start Here

• “Invisible” Killer Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Carbon Monoxide Information Center Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention United States Fire Administration
• Carbon Monoxide’s Impact on Indoor Air Quality Environmental Protection Agency

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning: Prevention Guidance 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
• CPSC Warns of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with Camping Equipment Consumer Product Safety Commission
• How to Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning American Academy of Pediatrics
• When Your Furnace Kicks On, Be Sure Poison Gas Isn’t Coming Out Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Patient Handouts

• Carbon monoxide poisoning Medical Encyclopedia
• Hemoglobin derivatives Medical Encyclopedia

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 Medical Encyclopedia

Older Adults

• Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Information for Older Adults and Their Caregivers Environmental Protection Agency

Journal Articles

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Videos and Tutorials

• Quiet Killer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention