CO is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that is very deadly. Inhaling CO can cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for people with heart disease, shortness of breath, stomach pain, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, vision programs, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.
You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak get to fresh air immediately.
Risk factors for exposure include:
- Generator exhaust
- Open flame grill fumes
- Vehicles used inside
- Lantern fuel exhaust
Portable generators produce high levels of CO very quickly. Never use a generator indoors! Always keep portable generators or gasoline engines outside and at least 20 feet away from your home.
Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house or garage, vehicle, tent, or fireplace.
For severe CO poisoning, call 911 or the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
CO Alarms
CO alarms save lives. Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup in every room of your home. Make sure to test your CO alarms regularly.