Carbon Monoxide

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Carbon Monoxide (CO): The Silent Killer

Carbon Monoxide Resources

Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer (PDF)

This brochure was created by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and reviews sources of carbon monoxide as well as clues to a possible CO problem in the home.

Poison Control Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet (PDF)

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of unintentional, non-fire related death in the United States. Get quick facts about this colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas.

Charcoal Grill Safety and CO (PDF)

CO is not just a cold weather risk. This handout from the U.S. CPSC includes safety information about charcoal grills in both English and Spanish.

Where Does Carbon Monoxide Come From?

Heating oil, natural gas, propane, kerosene, gasoline, wood, and almost anything that burns can produce carbon monoxide. You may be exposed if:

  • You leave your motor vehicle engine running
  • Your home contains an incorrectly vented or malfunctioning water heater, furnace, space heater, fireplace, or stove
  • You burn charcoal, alcohol, or gasoline in an enclosed tent, camper, or garage
  • You are being pulled behind a boat in a tube

Common symptoms of low-level exposure include:

  • Headache (may feel like a tight band around the head)
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

Severe exposure may cause:

  • Disorientation
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Respiratory failure
  • Cardiac arrest

What About Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

The Poison Center recommends having a UL-listed carbon monoxide alarm within 10 feet of each bedroom. Follow manufacturer instructions for maintenance and replace alarms every five to seven years.

Need help accessing these materials?

Some resources on this page are provided as PDF documents. If you need these materials in an alternative or accessible format, please call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or contact us—we will provide assistance.

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, get to fresh air immediately and call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance.