Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that forms when fuel or other materials are burned. It is invisible and has no odor.

Even short-term exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal. Carbon monoxide blocks oxygen transport in the body. Symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and disorientation. Breathing high concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause somebody to lose consciousness and have permanent neurological injury - or even death.

Rates of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning have declined over the past three decades. However, carbon monoxide remains a common cause of life-threatening and fatal poisonings.

About the data

Carbon monoxide poisonings in New York City may be underestimated in these data for several reasons:

• Symptoms of mild to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning may be confused with flu-like illness
• People experiencing these symptoms may not seek medical treatment
• Some health care providers neglect to report poisonings to the Health Department

To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

Owners and landords should:

• Required by NYC law to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Required to provide heating for apartments
• Have heating systems inspected before each winter

Residents:

• Call 311 if your landlord doesn’t fix heating problems.
• Test your detectors and replace batteries twice a year.
• Never use a gas stove, oven or other cooking appliance to heat your home. And never use unvented gas space heaters - they’re illegal.
• Never run an emergency generator indoors or near any enclosed space, even if your power goes out. Keep it outside, far away from doors and windows.