Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that is highly toxic. In the United States, CO poisoning is responsible for the deaths of more than 500 people annually. In addition, thousands of people each year are sent to the hospital for emergency treatment.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

Carbon monoxide is a product of fuel combustion. Red blood cells in the body can interact with CO in the same way that they interact with oxygen molecules, picking them up and distributing them throughout the body to different organs and tissues. If a person is exposed to CO for long enough, all of the oxygen in the body can be replaced, and as a result, the victim is killed.

Although all people and animals can be injured or killed by the gas, those who are most at risk include unborn children, infants, senior citizens, and those with respiratory problems, heart conditions, or anemia.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

The gas can come from a variety of sources found around the home, including:

• Charcoal grills



• Heating units



• Gas-fueled appliances



• Wood-burning fireplaces



• Vehicle exhaust systems



• Camping stoves

What are the symptoms of exposure?

At low levels of exposure, symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Dizziness



• Headaches



• Confusion



• Fatigue



• Disorientation



• Nausea

At higher levels of exposure, a person may lose consciousness or die. Unless CO poisoning is suspected, it is hard to diagnose because the symptoms are so similar to a variety of other conditions.

How do I protect myself from carbon monoxide exposure?

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when CO builds up in enclosed or poorly-ventilated areas. To keep yourself and your family safe:

• Install a CO detector and alarm in your home. Check the batteries and the working condition of the alarm twice per year. Be sure that the quality of the alarm has been evaluated by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory.



• Have a certified professional technician evaluate any appliance or system that produces CO for leaks or malfunctions.



• Never leave your car running in your garage with the door closed. Always turn off your vehicle before you close the garage door, and always open the garage door before you turn on your ignition. Never leave a door into the home open and exposed to a garage with a running vehicle.



• Never use charcoal grills or camping stoves inside or in poorly-ventilated areas. Never use a gas stove range to heat your home.



• If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get to a well-ventilated area immediately and call for emergency assistance.

For more information about carbon monoxide and other types of personal injury, visit the website of Iowa personal injury lawyers LaMarca & Landry, P.C.