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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Poisoning Toxicology Environmental Health

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas found in combustion fumes that can cause sudden illness or death if it builds up in poorly ventilated areas.

Overview

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that has no odor or color, yet it is very dangerous. It is found in combustion fumes produced by cars, trucks, lanterns, stoves, gas ranges, and heating systems. When these fumes build up in places without a good flow of fresh air, breathing them in can lead to poisoning.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion

Management and Prevention

It is often difficult to identify CO poisoning because symptoms may mimic other illnesses. Notably, people who are sleeping or intoxicated may die from CO poisoning before experiencing any symptoms. A CO detector can warn you if there are high levels of the gas in your home.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

Immediately move everyone, including pets, outdoors to fresh air. Call 911 or your local emergency services from a safe location. Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders have declared it safe.
Yes, severe CO poisoning can cause lasting neurological damage, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes. Heart problems can also occur. Follow-up medical evaluation is important after exposure.
Early symptoms can be vague and flu-like, including a dull headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. These symptoms may improve when you leave the affected area and worsen upon returning.
Ensure all fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, water heaters, stoves, fireplaces) are properly installed and maintained annually. Never use a gas range or oven for heating, and never run a car or generator in an enclosed space like a garage.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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