According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 400 deaths and approximately 15,000 emergency room visits each year as a result of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
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OMAHA, Neb. – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 400 deaths and approximately 15,000 emergency room visits each year as a result of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The highest percentage of carbon monoxide exposures occur during the months of November, December, January and February. The coldest temperatures of the winter have yet to arrive.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked Nebraska as one of the states with the highest mortality rate from carbon monoxide. Calls to the Poison Center concerning carbon monoxide have already exceeded last year’s exposures even with a mild fall season. It is imperative that the citizens of Nebraska understand the dangers, the symptoms and how to prevent poisoning from carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas produced when fuels burn incompletely. It has no color, taste or smell. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, vomiting, shortness of breath and convulsions. The first step in treating carbon monoxide poisoning is getting the victim to fresh air. Then seek medical attention immediately.
The Poison Center offers the following suggestions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.