Many people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Such a situation may happen if the oven shutters are closed too early or if a mobile cooker is used in a small tent with no ventilation (Ventilation is fresh air coming in and smoke going out). The carbon monoxide turns into carbon dioxide.Ĭarbon monoxide can accidentally form when there is too little air to burn all the fuel into carbon dioxide. The carbon monoxide takes the oxygen from the iron ore when heated in a large oven called a blast furnace. The most important use for carbon monoxide in industry is making iron from iron ore. It is very toxic, but it is useful for modern technology as well. It is a good fuel and burns in air with a blue flame, making carbon dioxide. It is made when carbon compounds burn and there is not enough oxygen. It consists of one carbon atom covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 ☌, 100 kPa).Ĭarbon monoxide, with the chemical formula CO, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.įor further information, go to or contact DOH-Miami-Dade at 30. If you suspect CO poisoning, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-80. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. Portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. Test your CO alarms per the manufacturer’s recommendations and replace dead batteries.The CO alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards for CO alarms (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, ASTM D6332, or CSA 6.19.01).
Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home per the manufacturer’s installation instructions.Follow the instructions that come with your unit.
Never use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.Do Not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace.CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases death.ĭOH–Miami Dade recommends the following precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Miami, FL- As Floridians begin the task of preparing for a storm, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) is urging the public to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) exposure by taking precautions with gas-powered appliances and charcoal or gas grills.ĬO is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is highly poisonous. Generator Safety Precautions Can Help Prevent Poisoning Carbon Monoxide Dangers during TROPICAL STORM ETA