Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless poisonous gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Breathing in a lot of CO gas can make you pass out or kill you.

Where does carbon monoxide come from? 

Carbon monoxide gas forms when fuels like gasoline, propane, natural gas, kerosene, wood, charcoal, and diesel fuel do not burn completely. In homes, carbon monoxide can quickly build up in the air when appliances powered by these fuels are not vented properly. 

Common sources of carbon monoxide include:

• portable generators
• propane, gasoline, or kerosene heaters
• gas or oil furnaces
• charcoal grills used indoors
• gas appliances
• motor vehicle exhaust from a car idling in the garage. 

Never use a portable generator indoors, in a porch, or in a garage, even if the door is open. Generators should be placed at least 20 feet from the home. 

What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

If several members of a household experience these symptoms when they are home, but feel better when they are away from the home, this may indicate a CO problem. Don’t wait for an alarm to sound.  Get people and pets out of the building immediately and call 911 once you are outside.

How Can I Protect Myself?

There are no warning properties (no odor or taste) to let you know that an elevated amount of carbon monoxide is in your environment. The only way to know is by installing a carbon monoxide alarm. The alarm will sound when air concentrations inside of a building become dangerous, but sometimes symptoms can be felt even before the alarm sounds. 

It is very important use gas-fueled appliances properly and never inside the home. 

Learn how to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by clicking on the links below. You may also call your local health department or the Connecticut Department of Public Health (860-509-7740) for more information.

Learn more about the below topics:

Important Phone Numbers & Contacts

Ambulance/Police/Fire: 911

Connecticut Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

Environmental & Occupational Health Assessment Program, CT DPH: 860-509-7761