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Did you know carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has been a public health concern since the Industrial Revolution? In the 18th and 19th centuries, CO poisoning predominantly originated from coal-burning stoves and furnaces that would accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces, putting people at risk (Savioli et al., 2024). Today, CO poisoning remains the leading cause of accidental poisoning worldwide, exacerbated by modern hazards like personal generators and running vehicles in garages with insufficient ventilation (Savioli et al., 2024). As we head into hurricane season, understanding the dangers of this “silent killer” and learning how to protect your home and family is more important than ever.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by burning fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, and oil (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2022). Because it is undetectable without specialized CO detectors, it poses a unique threat. When inhaled, CO displaces oxygen in the blood, leading to symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. In high concentrations, it can cause unconsciousness, brain damage, or even death within minutes (Mayo et al., 2023).
Today, frequent sources of CO that can accumulate in living spaces include stoves, grills, fireplaces, furnaces, cars, and especially generators. A staggering statistic from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicates that a 5 kW portable generator emits as much carbon monoxide as over 400 gasoline-powered cars (Buyer & U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2016). With that in mind, ensuring generator safety during hurricane and winter storm seasons is essential.
Most contemporary homes are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. It is important to frequently test your home’s CO detectors, particularly near sleeping areas, to ensure the alarms and batteries are working properly (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2022). Local codes for residential houses often require detectors on each level of a home, but for optimal protection, consider installing an additional detector in the bedroom.
When purchasing a portable generator for your home, consider models that offer an automatic shut-off feature when high levels of CO are detected. When the generator is needed, always place your generator outside at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust directed away from living areas. Adjust this distance if wind conditions could blow the exhaust back inside.
If you or your family begin experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, such as those mentioned above, immediately go outside and call emergency services. Treatments like pure oxygen therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are available for those affected (Mayo et al., 2023). Stay informed and take precautions to keep your family safe.
CED engineers (mechanical, civil, electrical, automotive, civil, and chemical) have the education, training, and experience to analyze incidents related to carbon monoxide exposure. Our team of CED engineers can precisely document and preserve accident sites, collect and retain evidence, and provide an investigation that scientifically describes the incident scenario, helping to determine responsibility for the event. Contact CED today for engineering support in your carbon monoxide exposure cases.
Sources
Buyer, J. & U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2016). PORTABLE GENERATORS AND CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. In SAE Small Engine Technology Conference. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/PresentationSAE_SETC.pdf
Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements, Laws and Regulations. (2024, August 13). Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/environment-and-natural-resources/carbon-monoxide-detector-installation-statutes
Clinical guidance for carbon monoxide poisoning following disasters and severe weather. (2024, July 8). Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/hcp/clinical-guidance/index.html
Savioli, G., Gri, N., Ceresa, I. F., Piccioni, A., Zanza, C., Longhitano, Y., …Candura, S. M. (2024). Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: From Occupational Health to Emergency Medicine. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(9). doi: 10.3390/jcm13092466 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: From Occupational Health to Emergency Medicine – PMC (nih.gov)
Carbon Monoxide: the Silent Killer. (2016, December 27). Connecticut Poison Control Center. https://health.uconn.edu/poison-control/about-poisons/carbon-monoxide/carbon-monoxide-the-silent-killer/
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2022, August 4). CPSC releases new report on carbon monoxide (CO) fatalities, Urges generator safety in new PSA. Retrieved August 19, 2024, from CPSC Releases New Report on Carbon Monoxide (CO) Fatalities, Urges Generator Safety in New PSA | CPSC.gov
Khimm, P. T. C. L. H. (2022, September 30). Carbon monoxide from generators poisons thousands of people a year. the U.S. has failed to force safety changes. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/carbon-monoxide-from-generators-poisons-thousands-of-people-a-year-the-u-s-has-failed-to-force-safety-changes
C.D.C. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics. (2024, April 17). Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics | Carbon Monoxide Poisoning | CDC
Jimenez, J. (2024, April 18). Your ultimate carbon monoxide detector guide. Forbes Home. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/carbon-monoxide-detector-guide/
