Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious and often preventable danger that affects thousands of people each year. Because carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, many people do not realize they are being exposed until symptoms become severe. The risk of carbon monoxide exposure can be higher in winter, when heating systems are used more frequently, and homes are often closed up and poorly ventilated. Understanding how carbon monoxide poisoning happens and how to prevent it can help protect you and your family this season.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO), often called an “invisible killer”, is a colorless, odorless gas created when fuel does not burn completely. It can come from common household and commercial sources such as gas furnaces, boilers, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, generators, and vehicles.
When carbon monoxide builds up in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space, it reduces the body’s ability to carry oxygen. Early symptoms often resemble the flu but without a fever, and may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. As exposure continues, symptoms can worsen and potentially lead to confusion, chest pain, fainting, seizures, or loss of consciousness. In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.
Because there is no obvious warning sign, people often do not realize they are in danger until exposure has already caused serious harm. The effects of carbon monoxide exposure can last from several months to a year, depending on the level of exposure and the individual.
Where to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are one of the most effective ways to detect hazardous levels early, but proper placement is essential to ensure they provide a timely warning.
Detectors should be installed on every level of a home, including basements, and near sleeping areas, so alarms can be heard during the night. They should be placed outside of bedrooms, but not directly inside kitchens or bathrooms, where normal activity could trigger false alarms.
Homes with attached garages should have detectors installed nearby, since vehicle exhaust is a common source of carbon monoxide. Detectors should also be placed a short distance from fuel-burning appliances rather than directly next to them.
In apartment buildings, condominiums, hotels, and rental properties, detectors are often required by law. Because carbon monoxide can travel between units, proper installation and regular maintenance are especially important in shared living spaces.
Detectors should be tested regularly, batteries replaced as needed, and units replaced when they reach the end of their recommended lifespan.
Where Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Happens Most Often
Carbon monoxide exposure can occur in many everyday environments, including:
- Homes with gas-powered appliances or attached garages
- Apartment buildings and condominiums with shared heating systems
- Hotels, motels, and vacation rentals
- Older buildings with aging or poorly maintained equipment
- Workplaces using fuel-burning machinery or heaters
- Garages or enclosed spaces where vehicles are running
Faulty appliances, blocked vents, improper installation, and lack of routine maintenance are common causes of carbon monoxide buildup. In multi-unit buildings, a single malfunctioning system can put multiple residents at risk.
Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a serious public health concern. Unintentional carbon monoxide exposure affects hundreds of Michigan residents every year. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan reported 481 cases of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in 2023, including 31 deaths. Many of these cases occurred in places where people expect to be safe, such as their homes or short-term stays.
How to Help Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure
While carbon monoxide risks cannot be fully eliminated, they can often be reduced with practical safety measures:
- Schedule regular inspections of furnaces, boilers, and fuel-burning appliances
- Keep vents, chimneys, and flues clear of debris
- Never use grills, generators, or fuel-powered tools indoors or near windows or doors
- Avoid running vehicles in enclosed or attached garages
- Use appliances only as intended and avoid improvised heating methods
Property owners, landlords, and business operators also have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur suddenly and without warning, making awareness and prevention essential to protecting lives. Proper detector placement, regular maintenance, and recognizing early warning signs can significantly reduce the risk of serious harm.
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure, seek medical care immediately. Serious symptoms should never be ignored, even if the source of exposure is not immediately known. Contact our carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers today to discuss your case at no cost.