Carbon monoxide poisoning factsheet
Introduction
Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, taste, or smell. It is made when fuels used for heating, cooking, and transport do not burn fully.
Carbon monoxide gas can be made by:
- gas stoves and ovens
- barbecues and charcoal grills
- fireplaces
- outdoor heaters
- vehicle engines, like cars and trucks
- lawnmowers and other tools with engines
- household appliances that are old or not working correctly, like indoor heaters.
Carbon monoxide can build up in enclosed spaces like homes, garages, and sheds and can cause poisoning or death very quickly.
Everyone is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially:
- babies
- pregnant women
- elderly people
- people with chronic health issues, like heart disease.
聽Signs and symptoms
Since carbon monoxide is invisible and has no taste or smell, it鈥檚 easy to breathe it in without knowing.
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- headaches
- nausea and stomach pain
- vomiting
- dizziness
- weakness
- fainting
- confusion
- tiredness.
The longer a person is exposed to carbon monoxide, the worse these symptoms will get. Long-term exposure can cause:
- loss of consciousness
- seizures
- permanent brain injury
- death.
If you think your child is showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, you should:
- turn off all gas appliances
- open all windows
- call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for immediate support and information on which emergency department to go to for treatment.
Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance if your child is having trouble breathing or collapses.
Diagnosis
Your child鈥檚 doctor will be able to diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning by:
- checking their symptoms
- doing a blood test
- using a fingertip monitor to check the levels of carbon monoxide in their blood.
Treatment
Carbon monoxide poisoning is treated by breathing fresh oxygen as soon as possible.
- turn off all gas appliances
- open all windows
- call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for immediate support and information on which emergency department to go to for treatment.
If your child has more severe symptoms, they may need to be treated with oxygen in the hospital.
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Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning
The following tips can help lower the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home:
- only use BBQs, charcoal grills, outdoor heaters, or gas lanterns outside, even if there is no smoke, as they can still produce carbon monoxide
- use generators and fuel-powered tools outdoors, away from windows or doors that lead into the house
- never leave vehicles like cars running in the garage, even if the garage door is open
- have indoor heaters, like gas heaters and fireplaces, serviced regularly by a professional
- make sure any indoor heaters are approved for indoor use
- consider installing a carbon monoxide detector alarm
- make sure appliances are working well and are checked regularly
- never use items that create smoke, like barbecues or grills, inside the house
- make sure fireplaces, exhaust pipes, or flues are not blocked
- only use appliances in areas where fresh air can circulate.
Carbon dioxide monitors
Carbon monoxide monitors are available to buy at most hardware stores. These devices only detect carbon monoxide, not smoke or fire. They are different from fire alarms.
There is no Australian standard for carbon monoxide monitors, so it鈥檚 important to research and choose one carefully before buying.
