With houses getting sealed up against the cold and furnaces firing up, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs urge residents to take preventative measures against carbon monoxide poisoning and check CO detectors and fuel-burning appliances.

Carbon monoxide is known as the “Invisible Killer,” because it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, but it can be deadly when breathed in, the agencies warned in a news release. CO is found where carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, wood and others are burned. The gas can build up to lethal levels within minutes in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

“The only way to tell if it is present is with a carbon monoxide detector,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer said in the news release. “Most CO poisonings take place at home and are caused by items that are not properly installed, cared for or vented like furnaces, water heaters, generators, grills, dryers, space heaters, fireplaces, chimneys and gas stoves. Having these appliances checked yearly by professionals will reduce CO poisoning from happening.”

“Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are similar to the flu,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Symptoms include fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to coma and death, so these symptoms should not be ignored.”

Those who suspect they may be experiencing CO poisoning or have a CO detector alarm go off should go outside immediately and call 911. Stay away from the enclosed space, even if not experiencing symptoms, until the fire department says it is safe to return.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year approximately 100,000 people across the country visit the emergency department for accidental CO poisoning. In 2022, Michigan had 727 emergency department visits for CO poisoning, according to the news release.

CO exposure may be particularly dangerous for:

≤ Developing babies: Fetal blood cells absorb CO more easily than adult blood cells.

≤ Children: Children have smaller bodies and breathe more rapidly than adults, potentially taking in more of the gas.

≤ Older adults: Older adults are very susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning and may be more likely to develop brain damage after exposure to the gas.

≤ People with heart disease: CO causes direct damage to the heart, which permanently impairs its function. People who have pre-existing heart disease are at greater risk for serious adverse health effects after exposure.

≤ Those with chronic exposure: People who are repeatedly exposed to carbon monoxide can incur more severe health effects at lower levels of exposure.

Some tips to prevent CO poisoning:

≤ Install CO detectors. Detectors should be on every level of your home including the basement, mechanical rooms and near sleeping areas.

≤ Replace detectors every five years or according to the manufacturer s instructions.

≤ Test detectors monthly to ensure they work.

≤ Generators should be run at a safe distance — at least 20 feet — from the home. Never run a generator in the home, garage or next to windows, doors or other enclosed spaces. Remember that CO can build up and linger for hours, even when the generator has been shut off.

≤ Maintain and use fuel-burning devices correctly. Have heating systems, water heater and any fuel-burning devices inspected by a professional every year. Make sure gas appliances are vented properly.

≤ Have a CO detector handy when camping or hunting and/or when using tents, cabins, RVs and boats with enclosed cabins.

≤ Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running in the garage, the garage door must be fully open to allow harmful fumes to escape.

≤ Never run a gasoline or propane heater or charcoal, gas or wood grill inside the home or in any enclosed space, including a garage.

For more, go to https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/topics/mitracking/carbonmonoxide.