Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When the pleasant fall weather starts to shift to the colder temperatures of winter, we debate if it is cold enough to turn on the heat. This is also the season when carbon monoxide poisonings spike. For many, late fall and early winter will be the first time the heat has been turned on for the year. In some cases, older furnaces are pushed to their limits and alternate heat sources are used – like space heaters, ovens to heat the kitchen, wood stoves and fireplaces not normally used, gas-powered generators and electric space heaters. Some people’s cars are warmed up in the garage, allowing carbon monoxide to build up and seep into the house.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be sneaky as well as deadly. One of its names is “the great pretender.” Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless, so the only way to know it is present is with a carbon monoxide detector. The Poison Center recommends that each home have a working carbon monoxide detector. Early signs may feel like a virus or the flu. Be alert for these other early symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting
• Fatigue, feeling weak
• Dulled thinking
• Are all people in the house feeling sick? Pets? Do you feel better when you leave the house?

If carbon monoxide levels continue to rise, the symptoms can get much worse, leading to confusion, chest pain, heart attacks, coma and death.

If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, the first thing to do is to leave the area to get to fresh air. Then call the Central Ohio Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 and speak to a specialist (nurse or pharmacist) immediately.