Michigan Residents Reminded of Carbon Monoxide Dangers

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) urge residents to protect their families by taking preventative measures against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as the weather turns colder and many will be relying on home heating sources of all varieties. Carbon monoxide is known as the "Invisible killer," as you cannot see, smell, or taste it, but it can be deadly when you breathe it in.

CO is found where carbon-based fuels like gasoline, propane, charcoal, wood, and others are burned in numerous household heat-producing appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, generators, gas grills, dryers, lanterns, space heaters, fireplaces, chimneys, and gas stoves. CO is produced whenever a fossil fuel is burned, like those mentioned and natural gas if burned improperly. The gas can build up to deadly levels within minutes in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. "Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen to anyone if there are no safety measures in place," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. "The only way to tell if it is present is with a carbon monoxide detector. Most CO poisonings take place at home and are caused by items that are not properly installed, cared for or vented like furnaces, water heaters, generators, grills, dryers, space heaters, fireplaces, chimneys and gas stoves. Having these appliances checked yearly by professionals will reduce CO poisoning from happening." MDHHS urges residents to ensure CO detectors have working batteries by testing them and keeping the detector clean and free of dust and cobwebs. Batteries should be changed at least once a year, unless you have one which uses a long-life lithium battery. Follow manufacturer's directions regarding batteries. "Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors save lives," said Sehlmeyer. "It is imperative that you have a functioning CO detector on every level of your home, and near every sleeping area."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year approximately 100,000 people across the country visit the emergency department for accidental CO poisoning. In 2022, there were 727 Michigan emergency department visits for CO poisoning (MiTracking Data Portal). 

"Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are similar to the flu," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "Symptoms include fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to coma and death, so these symptoms should not be ignored." If you suspect you may be experiencing CO poisoning or if your CO detector alarm goes off, get everyone, people and pets, outside immediately and call 911. Do not go back indoors until the fire department says it is safe.

To prevent CO poisoning, see the following tips.

Install CO detectors. Detectors should be on every level of your home, including the basement, and near sleeping areas. Follow manufacturer's directions for battery replacement and complete replacement of the unit. Test detectors monthly to ensure they are working.

Maintain and use fuel-burning devices correctly. Have heating systems, water heaters, and any fuel burning device inspected every year. Make sure gas appliances are vented properly. Have your fireplace and chimney or wood-burning stove inspected yearly as well.

Generators should be run at least 20 feet from the home. Never run a generator indoors, in the garage, or near to windows and doors. CO can seep into the house and linger for hours even after the generator has been turned off.

Never run a car in an enclosed space. If you warm your car up in the garage, have the garage door open to allow harmful fumes to escape.

Use fuel-burning devices outdoors only. Never run a gasoline or propane heater or charcoal, gas, or wood grill inside your home or any enclosed space including the garage. Never use a heater intended or outdoors indoors. To find out more about CO poisoning, go to https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/.