January Is Most Dangerous Month for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

It is estimated that at least two people die every day during the month of January as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Houston personal injury lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers have some tips to keep you and your family safe from exposure.

What is carbon monoxide poisoning and how do I avoid it?

The colorless, odorless gas is produced by burning fuel, including gasoline, wood, or kerosene. Exposure can occur indoors or outdoors and can be accidental or the result of faulty or defective products such as lawn mowers, gas stoves, fireplaces or hot water heaters.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Vision problems
• Fast heartbeat and/or breathing

The initial symptoms will be mild but worsen as the carbon monoxide builds up in your system. Winter months are the worst months reported for exposure because the cold weather prompts increased use of indoor heating appliances.

Our Houston personal injury attorneys recommend the following to keep you and your family safe:

• Have a qualified technician inspect your heating system, water heater, and any gas, oil or coal-burning appliance in your home every year.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home on every level.
• Never burn anything in an unvented stove or fireplace.
• Never use generators, charcoal grills, portable gas stoves or other gas or charcoal-burning device inside your house, basement, garage, etc.
• Never let your car idle in the garage, even with the door open.
• Never use a gas oven to heat your home.

If you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home that sounds an alert, leave immediately, call 911 and seek medical attention.