ROANOKE, Va. ( WFXR ) – Severe winter weather has entered the region and with it, most people think of closing and delays, power outages, traffic accidents, freezing lines and pipes, and downed trees. However, another possible danger not often thought of is carbon monoxide poisoning. UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center and the CDC have some helpful information to avoid danger to this hidden threat.
According to the CDC , more than 400 people die from Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, more than 100,000 are sent to the emergency room, and over 14,000 are hospitalized every year. CO is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas produced from gas and other household items often used during power outages like oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills.
“Power outages always bring a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Christopher Holstege , MD, the Blue Ridge Poison Center’s director. “Since you cannot see, smell, or taste CO, you may not be aware that you are breathing it.”