How many people are unintentionally poisoned by Carbon Monoxide?
Every year, over 200 people in the United States die from CO produced by fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters). Others die from CO produced while burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent. Still others die from CO produced by cars left running in attached garages. Several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment for CO poisoning. What are the symptoms of CO poisoning? The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include: – Headache – Fatigue – Shortness of breath – Nausea – Dizziness Many people with CO poisoning mistake their symptoms for the flu or are misdiagnosed by physicians, which sometimes results in tragic deaths. What should you do to prevent CO poisoning? – Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals. Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents)
