CO Poisoning Risks Increase in the Wintertime, Warns the CDC

Every year, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning kills at least 430 people and sends at least 20,000 others to hospitals.¹ While CO poisoning can happen in nearly any enclosed space, it is far more likely to occur between November and February each year – the months when people are typically running wood- and/or fuel-burning appliances in their homes.

Background on the Dangers of CO & Symptoms of CO Poisoning

Excessive exposure to carbon monoxide will deprive the body of oxygen, which can start killing the tissues of the body. Commonly, the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu, including (but not limited to):

• Dizziness and/or confusion
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Chest and/or stomach pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting.

Given that immediate medical treatment may be required for those who suffer CO poisoning, it is important that anyone relying on fuel- or wood-burning appliances this winter review/remember these symptoms of CO poisoning.

How to Prevent CO Poisoning

To keep your family safe this winter, here is what you can do to prevent CO poisoning:¹

• Make sure your home has at least one CO detector on each floor.
• Replace the batteries in your CO detector if it has been more than a year since you have done so (or if you can’t remember when you last did so).
• Get your major appliances serviced – Aging or defective appliances can release CO in your home.
• Get your HVAC system serviced.
• Do not use gas ovens as sources of heat for homes.
• Do not burn anything in stoves that are not vented.
• Do not use any gas-powered tools or generators in homes.
• Do not let vehicles run in garages, regardless of whether the garage door is open.
• Check flues and vents, clearing them of any debris so they can act as proper ventilation lines.
• Be sure to check your home’s vents and fresh-air intakes following heavy snowfall to make sure these areas do not get blocked, clogged or iced over.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you believe someone has developed CO poisoning

Contact the Denver Personal Injury Lawyer at the Klibaner Law Firm

If you or someone you love has suffered CO poisoning, contact a Denver personal injury lawyer at the Klibaner Law Firm to find out more about your options for financial recovery. At the Klibaner Law Firm, our lawyers are passionate about defending our clients’ rights and interests, and they will work diligently to help you bring your case to the best possible resolution.

To learn more about your options and how we can help you, contact our firm today by calling us at (303) 863-1445 or emailing us using the contact form on this page. When you contact us:

• You will be able to discuss your case directly with one of our experienced attorneys.
• You will pay nothing for speaking with us.
• We will answer your questions honestly and confidentially.

From our offices based in Denver, our attorneys provide superior representation to injured people throughout the Denver metro area and Colorado.

__________________________________ 1: According to the CDC