NEWARK – Don’t be the next statistic. Experts at the state’s poison control center are too familiar with the dangerous, even deadly health effects of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
According to a release, the center is often involved in the medical management of patients exposed to carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas overlooked by many because it gives no warning – it can’t be seen, smelled, heard, or tasted.
The effects of CO are hard to detect, and symptoms often mimic those of viral illnesses like the common cold and the flu.
Additionally, the gas is undetectable without a working carbon monoxide detector. This combination creates the perfect storm for a dangerous, even deadly public health risk.
Last month, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) visited the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School to discuss the significant health risks posed by carbon monoxide exposure. While visiting the poison center, he announced bipartisan legislation requiring carbon monoxide detectors be installed in all federally subsidized residences.
It is important to remember that CO poisoning poses a risk to all people and pets, including those living in public or rural housing.
Although the only way to detect a leak is with a CO detector, it is important to know how to recognize the effects associated with CO poisoning, and to seek help immediately upon the onset of symptoms.
Common symptoms of low-level poisoning include headaches, sleepiness, fatigue, confusion and irritability.
At higher levels, poisoning can result in nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, impaired vision and coordination, brain damage and death.
“Don’t be fooled. As we see every year, this poisonous gas can and does kill,” stated Diane Calello, MD, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Emergency Medicine.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is serious and should be handled as a medical emergency. Prevention and early detection are crucial in preventing poisoning injury and even death from carbon monoxide. You want to catch a leak in gas appliances and heating systems before it turns into a serious problem,” she stated.
Although cold weather brings increased risk, carbon monoxide exposures happen throughout the year, resulting from sources other than gas appliances and heating systems.
Lesser-known sources of exposure include portable gas generators used during severe weather; snow accumulation in car exhausts/tailpipes, heating and dryer vents; portable room heaters; fireplace/chimney flues; blocked engine and exhaust systems on boats; and smoking hookah in small and/or poorly ventilated spaces.
“Do not gamble with your family’s health and well-being; CO detectors are a must even on boats,” stated Bruce Ruck, Pharm.D., managing director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center.
Battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors should be put on every level of the home and near every sleeping area. Always check the batteries of both detectors (fire and CO) when changing the clocks twice a year for daylight savings time.
If one suspects carbon monoxide exposure, take immediate action:
- If someone is unconscious or unresponsive, get him or her out of the house and call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Exit the house/building immediately. Do not waste time opening windows. This will delay escape and cause people to breathe in even more dangerous fumes.
- Contact the local fire department/energy provider.
- Call the NJ Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate medical treatment advice.
Those who suspect illness, should not wait until symptoms occur or waste time looking up information on the Internet. Contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 to get the immediate help you or a loved one needs.
Center experts are health professionals available 24/7 for emergencies, questions, concerns, or information. Services are free, confidential, and a language line is available (over 150 languages).
New Jersey residents can reach their center in the following ways: call (1-800-222-1222) text or chat.
If someone is unconscious, not breathing, hard to wake up, or seizing, call 9-1-1 immediately.
