blog home Carbon Monoxide Poisoning What Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

By Renee Nordstrand on October 24, 2022

patient in hospital bed

According to the CDC, over 400 people die every year from unintentional Carbon monoxide poisoning. It also results in over 20,000 emergency rooms visits.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO has no odor. The only way to know if CO is present is by installing an electronic CO detector.

CO is produced whenever a material burns. CO buildup can be caused by several types of devices, stoves, and equipment. If you suspect CO poisoning, exit the premises and contact the fire department right away.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

People often mistake CO poisoning with the flu. One difference is that CO poisoning is likely to affect everyone inside a building or residence at once, but the flu is usually passed from person to person over time.

CO poisoning may be fatal, and it can also cause brain damage and harm your internal organs. Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Drowsiness
  • Weakness
  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion

Common Sources of CO Poisoning

Anything that burns will give off CO. This includes fuel, natural gas, and your car’s exhaust system. CO detectors should be installed throughout your home to ensure that there are no dangerous leaks that might harm your family.

Four essential safety tips for avoiding CO poisoning are:

  1. Never use a camp stove or charcoal grill indoors or in an enclosed space.
  2. Never run your car’s engine inside the garage, even if the door is open.
  3. Never use gas or kerosene space heaters indoors or in an enclosed space.
  4. Have your chimney and stove exhaust checked regularly for leaks and blockage.

There are several types of devices that create CO gas, including:

  • Car, truck, and boat exhaust
  • Any type of small engine
  • Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
  • Lanterns
  • Grills
  • Gas ranges
  • Heating units
  • Generators
  • Gas dryers
  • Water heaters
  • Furnaces
  • Lawnmowers, snowblowers, and leaf blowers
  • Non-electric space heaters

Who Can Be held Liable for CO Poisoning?

Homes, businesses, vehicles, and other enclosed space may be subject to hazardous CO leaks. It’s essential that people in charge of maintaining property, devices, and equipment take the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.

When CO poisoning occurs, the following people may be held liable:

  • Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of defective products
  • Businesses that improperly installed, repaired, or inspected dangerous equipment
  • A gas company that failed to check or repair CO problems
  • Landlords and property management companies
  • Residential and commercial builders

Were You Harmed by Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

The award-winning personal injury attorneys at NordstrandBlack PC have won million of dollars in settlements for our clients. If you were harmed by somebody’s careless behavior, we’ll find the culpable parties and hold them responsible so you can get the money you need to get the medical care and treatment you need, pay your medical bills, and recover for other losses caused by the carbon monoxide poisoning.

Call (805) 962-2022 today to schedule your FREE consultation. Remember: you won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.