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You
can’t see it, smell it, or taste
it, but carbon monoxide (CO)—a
gas released when fuel is burned—
can be deadly.
In your home, CO can come from a
variety of things, such as a heat-
ing system, cooking appliance, or
fireplace. It’s also present in fumes
from vehicles, small engines, and
barbecues.
There’s little to worry about when
appliances and other devices are
working right and fumes are prop-
erly vented. But when they’re not,
CO levels can get high enough to
cause illness and death. Hundreds
of people in the U.S. die every year
fromCO poisoning.
“I’ve seen several cases of CO
poisoning during the past several
years due to poorly ventilated
generators,” says pathologist Dan
Purtzer, MD, at Mercy Medical
Center Mt. Shasta. “Living in the
mountains as we do, we experience
loss of power on a regular basis
during the winter months. If you
must use a portable generator for
power, make sure it is in goodwork-
ing order and properly ventilated.”
Keep your
family safe
When you need
emergency care
Call 911—or head to a Dignity Health
North State emergency department:
Mercy Medical Center Redding
Emergency Department
2175 Rosaline Ave., Redding
St. Elizabeth Community Hospital
Emergency Department
2550 Sister Mary Columba Drive,
Red Bluff
Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta
Emergency Department
914 Pine St., Mt. Shasta
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
What are thewarning signs?
At low levels, CO poisoning can
mimic the flu—but without a fever.
Common symptoms include head-
ache, fatigue, shortness of breath,
nausea, and dizziness. At higher
levels, CO poisoning can cause
severe headaches, confusion, and a
loss of consciousness and death.
If you think you might have carbon
monoxide poisoning, get fresh air
at once. Open windows, turn off
appliances or vehicles, and leave
the area. Get to an emergency
department and tell the medical
staff you suspect CO poisoning.
What else canyoudo?
According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
and others, there are several things
you can do to protect yourself and
your family from this threat:
Each year have an expert check
anything in your home that burns
gas, oil, or coal, such as your
heating system, kitchen range,
and water heater.
Make sure all gas appliances are
properly vented.
Install a battery-operated
CO detector, and check it at
least twice a year.
Have your chimney checked or
cleaned every year.
Never leave a vehicle running in
the garage—even with the garage
door open.
And never try to heat your home with
a device not meant for the job, such
as a gas range or oven, a barbecue
grill, or a portable camp stove.
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