Health Nuggets
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause serious illness or death. It’s produced when fuels burn incompletely — from furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, water heaters, or vehicles. There is a significant seasonal risk; winter and very cold portions of the year see higher numbers of hospitalizations due to higher use of heating and fuel devices.
Deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning peaked at ~20 in 2001. Recent reporting indicates the number of deaths had dropped to 6 in 2021. Hospitalizations started to decline from about 2009 to 2014, after a law requiring CO alarms in residences was implemented. Hospitalization and death rates increase with age and are higher for males than females across all age categories. (data.web.health.state.mn.us) CO poisoning is not a reportable event in Minnesota so a gap in numbers is expected.
Here are important carbon monoxide (CO) safety tips for homeowners to help keep your home and family safe:
- Install CO Detectors
- Place CO alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area.
- Test alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year (or as recommended).
- Replace CO detectors every 5–7 years.
- Inspect and Maintain Appliances
- Have your heating system, water heater, and fuel-burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician annually.
- Keep vents and chimneys clear of debris, snow, and nests.
- Never use a gas oven or stovetop to heat your home.
- Never run a car, generator, or grill inside a garage, basement, or enclosed space—even with doors open.
- Use generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents.
- Ensure that all fuel-burning appliances are properly vented to the outside.
- When using a fireplace, keep the flue open while burning.
- Use Fuel-Burning Devices Safely
- Proper Ventilation
- Recognize CO Poisoning Symptoms:
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or confusion are common.
- Severe Symptoms, vomiting, chest pain and loss of consciousness.
*If you suspect CO poisoning:
- Get everyone outside immediately.
- Call 911 or emergency services.
- Do not re-enter the home until professionals declare it safe.
After an incident have a qualified technician check all fuel-burning appliances before using them again. Replace CO detectors if they were triggered or damaged.
If after the incident you have questions, call Hennepin County Medical Center's Minnesota Poison Control System. They provide emergency poison information and poison prevention information. The phone number is: 1-800-222-1222. Website is: https://mnpoison.org
Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services
(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)