Carbon Monoxide Injury

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete

burning of fuels like natural gas, propane, wood, and coal. Exposure to even low levels of

carbon monoxide can have serious health consequences, from headaches and dizziness to

more life-threatening conditions like brain and heart damage, or even death.

Where do you encounter Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide can be encountered in various everyday situations, particularly where fuel-

burning devices or engines are involved. Some of the most common places and scenarios

where you might come across carbon monoxide include:

1. Home Heating Systems: This includes furnaces, boilers, and fireplaces, which can

produce carbon monoxide if they are not properly maintained, vented, or if the chimneys

are blocked.

2. Vehicles: Running a car in an enclosed space, such as a closed garage, or driving a

vehicle with a malfunctioning exhaust system can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

3. Gas Stoves: Defective gas stoves and ovens can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide.

Also having improper exhaust systems for these appliances can cause similar issues

with CO.

4. Gas Water Heaters: Water heaters, both tank and tankless, that heat water through gas

combustion may be a source of CO. Proper venting along with making sure that water

heaters are set to the appropriate type of gas used in the home, either propane or

natural gas, is important to preventing excessive CO.

5. Gas Generators: Gas powered generators that produce electricity should be properly

vented if used indoors. Carbon monoxide can quickly accumulate if used inside. The

best course is to only run gas generators outdoors.

6. Camping Equipment: Using charcoal grills, gas lanterns, or space heaters used

indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces can produce dangerous levels of carbon

monoxide.

7. Industrial Settings: Factories and warehouses with indoor equipment like forklifts or

generators, as well as industrial processes involving welding or combustion engines, can

emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

What are some safety precautions for Carbon Monoxide?

In order to decrease the risk of encountering carbon monoxide, some essential safety

precautions include maintaining and properly venting fuel-burning appliances, ensuring good

ventilation in enclosed spaces, regularly inspecting and cleaning chimneys, filters, and vents,

and installing carbon monoxide detectors.

It’s also important to never run vehicles or generators in enclosed spaces like garages, even

with the doors open, as carbon monoxide can quickly accumulate. Additionally, testing and

replacing the batteries in carbon monoxide detectors at least twice a year can ensure they

function properly when needed. Finally, educating family members or coworkers about the

dangers of carbon monoxide and the symptoms of poisoning can help everyone respond quickly

in an emergency. Carbon monoxide symptoms typically start with feelings of nausea,

headaches, and vomiting. Feeling lethargic or sleepy is also a sign. Getting a window open or

stepping into fresh air are critical to avoiding long-term injury.

Attorney Chris Stevenson with Ball Eggleston has handled several carbon monoxide injury

cases and understands common liability issues and the types of injuries that often accompany a

carbon monoxide poisoning event. If you believe you, or a loved one, has suffered an injury

from carbon monoxide reach out to our team at Ball Eggleston today for further assistance.