There are circumstances where people can be exposed to high quantities of CO throughout the summer, even though CO poisoning instances are more common during the winter. Boats and vehicles both emit carbon monoxide. During recreational activities, equipment like camp stoves, barbecues, and non-electric warmers are frequently utilized as CO sources.
During the summer, warm, bright weather encourages a large number of people to go outside for activities like boating and camping. The goverment advises citizens and tourists to enjoy the season responsibly and to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning (CO poisoning). Eleven persons have already experienced carbon monoxide poisoning this summer as a result of four separate accidents involving boats or recreational vehicles.
“In times of storms and terrible weather, we always worry about carbon monoxide poisoning when people do things like run portable generators too close to their doors or windows. According to TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, “Unfortunately, it can also occur in wonderful weather when people are enjoying the great outdoors, but where equipment is in poor repair or handled poorly. “CO is a silent killer that you can’t see, smell, or taste. Use carbon monoxide detectors in places like boats, RVs, and campers to help avoid illness and death from CO poisoning. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions for safe use of generators and other fuel-burning equipment.
Generators, portable heaters, gas stoves, and other appliances all produce CO, a hazardous gas that could be fatal if inhaled. Five Tennesseans perished in 2011 when a neighboring generator’s carbon monoxide leak caused the recreational van they were renting to fill with the gas.
Built-in or portable generators, gas-powered heaters, gas ranges or ovens, portable camp stoves, and gas water heaters are among the appliances that release carbon monoxide in RVs and campers. In enclosed, semi-enclosed, or inadequately ventilated areas, the carbon monoxide generated can accumulate and harm people and animals who breathe it. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of gasoline-powered engines, including onboard generators, in boats. People swimming beneath rear swim platforms, where CO can build, may be in risk as a result.
As the director of the TDH Communicable and Environmental Disease and Emergency Preparedness division and a state epidemiologist, Tim Jones, MD, noted, “We promote carbon monoxide detectors as crucial instruments to prevent CO poisoning.” “CO poisoning frequently happens while a person is asleep. CO monitors can give you a heads-up before the gas in your RV, camper, or watercraft reaches a dangerous level and are easily accessible at home and hardware stores.
To help prevent CO poisoning, heed these recommendations:
- Regularly check the RV’s generator exhaust system, preferably before each trip.
- Before using an RV, check the carbon monoxide detector.
- When parking the RV, keep an eye out for any surrounding vehicles that might be running generators. Make sure exhaust gases may freely exit the car when parking.
- Never use a gas generator within 20 feet of any window, door, or vent, or in a home, garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, tent, or camper.
- Never heat with a gas range or oven. As a result, CO levels within the camper, lodge, or house may rise.
- A portable gas camp stove should never be used inside.
- Never light a charcoal fire inside.
Shortness of breath, confusion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness are all typical signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. High CO levels in the air might result in unconsciousness or even death.
Turn off potential carbon monoxide sources if you fear someone has been harmed. Anyone who has been exposed to too much CO should leave right once to get some fresh air. Open windows and doors to let fresh air in if someone is unconscious. Call 911 right away if you or anyone else becomes ill as a result of exposure to CO.
The summer months have a unique set of dangers related to the presence of CO, whereas the winter months are often associated with a higher number of occurrences involving carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” and is responsible for the majority of poison-related deaths in the US. It is an odorless, colorless, and incredibly hazardous gas that may escape from everything from common household equipment to a garage-parked car. Due to the potentially fatal implications of carbon monoxide exposure, it is crucial that homeowners test the performance of their installed CO alarms.
The GZAIR Detectors Store includes a premium selection of personal Carbon Monoxide Alarms that showcase brand-exclusive technologies to achieve the ultimate in CO detection.
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