Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Home & Texture
Homeownership Carbon Monoxide

Watch Out for These 7 Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Keep your home and family out of harm's way.

July 29, 2024 at 7:09 PM PST
Homeownership Carbon Monoxide

Watch Out for These 7 Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Keep your home and family out of harm's way.

July 29, 2024 at 7:09 PM PST

There’s no place like home. Whether it’s the comforting aroma of a Sunday roast in the oven, the soft hum of your favorite playlist, or the cozy crackle of the fireplace on a chilly evening, home is where you let your guard down and embrace the little things that make life wonderful. But hidden in plain sight is a potential offender to your health: carbon monoxide. You can’t smell it or taste it, but if you’ve been breathing it, it could be deadly.

Spot the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and keep your home and family safe.

What’s the Deal with Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless gas that can be pretty toxic. It’s produced when fuels like gas, wood, charcoal, or oil don’t burn completely. Sounds pretty serious, right? It can come from many sources, such as faulty appliances, clogged chimneys, blocked vents, portable generators, and more.

woman in bed with headache
Photo Credit: Roos Koole

The Silent Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

If you’re feeling any of the symptoms below, you could have carbon monoxide poisoning.

Headaches

You’re on your couch, binging your favorite series when suddenly, a headache hits you out of nowhere. It’s like your brain decided to throw an impromptu dance party, and not in a fun way. While headaches can be caused by a myriad of things (yes, even watching Netflix for too long), if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of CO poisoning.

Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Feeling like you’ve just stepped off a merry-go-round without the funfair? Dizziness and lightheadedness are classic symptoms of CO poisoning. They’re your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right here!” So, if you’re feeling wobbly for no good reason, it might be time to investigate.

woman at home feeling sick
Photo Credit: Roos Koole

Nausea and Vomiting

Nobody likes feeling queasy. But if you find yourself suddenly reaching for the ginger ale and saltines, it’s worth considering CO as the culprit. Nausea and vomiting can sneak up on you, especially in a CO-filled environment.

Shortness of Breath

Are you huffing and puffing like you’ve just run a marathon when all you did was climb the stairs? Shortness of breath can be another tell-tale sign. Your body is craving oxygen, and CO is blocking it from getting what it needs.

Confusion and Disorientation

We all have those moments where we walk into a room and forget why we’re there (hello, brain fog!). But if you’re feeling unusually confused or disoriented, it could be more than just a forgetful moment. CO can affect your brain function, leaving you feeling out of sorts.

Blurred Vision

No, it’s not your eyes playing tricks on you. Blurred vision is another symptom to watch out for. If your surroundings start looking like an impressionist painting, it might be time to check for CO.

Loss of Consciousness

This one’s the biggie. If CO levels are high enough, it can cause you to lose consciousness. This is why it’s so important to recognize the earlier symptoms and take action before things escalate.

well ventilated home
Photo Credit: MoMo Productions

Prevention: Your Best Defense

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to CO.

  • Install CO Detectors: Just like smoke detectors (you do have those, right?), CO detectors are a must. Place them near sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
  • Regular Maintenance: Get your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances checked by a professional every year.
  • Ventilate, Ventilate, Ventilate: Make sure your home is well-ventilated, especially if you’re using a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. Fresh air is your friend.
  • Be Cautious with Generators and Grills: Never use generators, grills, or any fuel-burning appliances inside your home, garage, or basement. CO has a way of building up in enclosed spaces, and it’s not a party you want to attend.



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