The MaineTracking Network just published new data dashboards about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning cases, events, deaths, and detectors. This is the first time MaineTracking has published data about the seasonality of CO exposure and sources of CO exposure. Having these data together makes it easy to recognize factors that may cause a higher risk of CO poisoning. Explore the data.
Every year in Maine, CO poisoning is responsible for around 70 emergency department visits. While this is a small number, the outcomes can be severe and are entirely preventable. New data show more than half of CO poisonings occur in winter, between November and March.
Tips to Prevent CO Poisoning
- Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
- Install a battery-operated CO detector near every sleeping area in your home and check them regularly. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous.
- Have a plan during power outages to run your generator outside at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Make sure you have enough extension cord and a way to keep it protected from the weather.
- Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, garage, or near a window. Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.
- Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
Because of a rental law, people living in rental housing are more likely to have a CO detector than those living in homes they own (80% vs. 74%). Overall, adults living in homes with a CO detector increased from 62% to 75% between 2012 and 2018.
Exposure Sources
Data about the sources of exposure show that CO poisoning in Maine often occurs when people run heating appliances (ex., boilers, woodstoves, fireplaces) that have blocked vents or are otherwise not maintained, work on running engines in enclosed spaces, or use gas-powered generators improperly. When the power goes out, some people use alternative sources of heating or cooking inside or too close to the house like portable generators and charcoal grills. This improper use of heating and cooking devices can cause CO to build up in a home and lead to CO poisoning.
Remember to have your heating appliances inspected and cleaned every year. Always run generators outside and at least 20 feet away from windows or doors.
Geographic Differences
The annual data shows rates of CO poisoning among people living in rural counties like Aroostook, Oxford, and Franklin are higher than among people living in urban counties like Cumberland, Kennebec, and York. This may be because people living in rural counties are less likely to live in homes with a CO detector.
Having CO detectors with a battery back-up near every sleeping area can save lives and is especially important when heating your home.