Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Causes

Carbon monoxide is formed when organic compounds burn. The most common sources are motor vehicle exhaust, smoke from fires, engine fumes, and nonelectric heaters. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often associated with malfunctioning or obstructed exhaust systems and with suicide attempts.

Sources of carbon monoxide:

• Gas water heaters
  
  
• Kerosene space heaters
  
  
• Charcoal grills
  
  
• Propane heaters and stoves
  
  
• Gasoline and diesel powered generators
  
  
• Cigarette smoke
  
  
• Propane-fueled forklifts
  
  
• Gasoline powered concrete saws
  
  
• Indoor tractor pulls
  
  
• Any boat with an engine
  
  
• Spray paint, solvents, degreasers, and paint removers

Risks for exposure to carbon monoxide include:

• Children riding in the back of enclosed pickup trucks (particularly high risk)
  
  
• Industrial workers at pulp mills, steel foundries, and plants producing formaldehyde or coke (a hard grey fuel)
  
  
• Personnel at fire scenes
  
  
• Using heating sources or electric generators during power outages
  
  
• Those working indoors with combustion engines or combustible gases
  
  
• Swimming near or under the stern or swim-step of a boat with the boat engine running
  
  
• Back drafting when a boat is operated at a high bow angle
  
  
• Mooring next to a boat that is running a generator or engine
  
  
• Improper boat ventilation
  
  

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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