A Baylor College of Medicine doctor has highlighted the risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, offering strategies for prevention and identifying symptoms to watch out for.
Dr. Sara Andrabi, MD at Baylor College of Medicine, warns, "Be careful. Carbon monoxide does not discriminate; everyone, including your pets, is at risk. If you don’t have a safe heat source or the heat is not working in your home, there are warming centers around Houston."
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that powers many household appliances, particularly those providing heat. As temperatures drop, it becomes crucial to adopt safety measures to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning—a potentially lethal condition. Symptoms include upset stomach, vomiting, confusion, headache, dizziness and even loss of consciousness.
"Annually, about 50,000 people in the United States get carbon monoxide poisoning," says Dr. Andrabi who is also an assistant professor in the Henry J.N. Taub Department of Emergency Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. She continues by saying that most cases are due to non-fire related smoke inhalation from common items like kitchen stoves, wood stoves, generators, gas or charcoal grills and furnaces used for heating during winter months.
Andrabi advises minimizing the use of heating items that could emit carbon monoxide and suggests alternative ways to stay warm during cold winter days. "Heated blankets are a great option for warming up but should be checked before use to make sure there are no damaged wires," she says.
The seriousness of carbon monoxide poisoning cannot be understated. It's recommended to keep the Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222) readily available in case of potential exposure. If any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning occur it's always safer to make the call.
