Carbon monoxide poisoning, hurricanes and hyperbaric oxygen
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas, and in Florida it's a real risk after every hurricane, when generators come out of garages.
Why it's dangerous
CO binds to hemoglobin in your blood far more tightly than oxygen does, crowding oxygen out. Your organs, especially your brain and heart, are starved of oxygen even though you're breathing normally.
Common sources
- Portable generators run indoors, in a garage (even with the door open) or near windows
- Cars left running in attached garages
- Gas stoves or ovens used for heating
- Faulty furnaces, water heaters or fireplaces
- Charcoal grills used indoors
After storms, Florida health officials see a jump in CO poisonings, nearly all from generators placed too close to the home. Keep generators outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents.
Warning signs
Early symptoms are easy to mistake for flu: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, confusion and drowsiness. Clues that point to CO:
- Several people (or pets) in the same place feel sick at once
- Symptoms improve when you leave the building
- A fuel-burning appliance or generator is running
What to do
- Get everyone into fresh air immediately.
- Call 911.
- Don't go back in until the source is found and the space is cleared.
You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Where hyperbaric oxygen comes in
In the hospital, the first treatment is high-flow oxygen. In some cases, particularly serious poisonings, loss of consciousness, neurological symptoms or pregnancy, doctors may use hyperbaric oxygen. Under pressure, oxygen pushes CO off hemoglobin much faster than at normal pressure. Some research suggests it may reduce later memory and thinking problems, though doctors still debate exactly who benefits most.
CO poisoning is treated in hospital hyperbaric units, not wellness centers. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911.
Prevention
- Install battery-operated or battery-backup CO alarms on every level of your home and near bedrooms.
- Test them monthly and replace them as the manufacturer recommends.
- Have fuel-burning appliances serviced every year.