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Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a leading cause of unintentional poisoning-related deaths despite being preventable. Each year, Michigan has on average 849 emergency department visits, 115 hospitalizations and 34 deaths for unintentional CO poisoning.* Learn more about CO poisoning, so you can prevent it!
*Data includes averages from 2018-2022 for unintentional fire and non-fire CO exposures.
CO Facts to Know.
- CO is a poisonous gas. You cannot see, taste or smell CO, but it can be deadly when you breathe it in.
- CO is found where carbon-based fuels, including natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, propane, charcoal, oil and wood, are burned.
- All fuel-burning items, including vehicles and portable generators, release CO.
- CO can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. You will NOT stop CO buildup by opening windows or doors.
- Install 10-year lithium battery CO detectors on every level of your home and near all sleeping areas to alert you of CO.
- If a CO detector goes off or someone has CO poisoning symptoms, remember to get to fresh air and call 911 for assistance.
If you suspect CO poisoning, have symptoms or if your CO detector goes off:
- Leave the enclosed or partially enclosed space and move to fresh air right away.
- Call 911.
- Stay away from the enclosed or partially enclosed space until the fire department tells you it is safe to return, even if you aren't experiencing any symptoms.