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Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “invisible killer.” You cannot see, taste or smell carbon monoxide, but it can be deadly when you breathe it in. CO is dangerous because it blocks your body from taking in the oxygen it needs. CO poisoning can happen to anyone. Infants, the elderly and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO. For more CO poisoning information, visit Michigan.gov/CarbonMonoxide.
Climate Change
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, which can increase the risk of flooding and power outages. Incorrect use of fuel-burning devices like heaters and generators can lead to CO poisonings and death. Visit the MDHHS Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program (MICHAP) for more climate and health information.
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MiTracking Data - CO Poisoning
CO is a leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths despite being preventable. In 2022, 727 Michiganders had emergency department visits for CO poisoning (MiTracking Data Portal). CO poisoning data are available on the MiTracking Data Portal.
CO MiTracking Indicators
Data are for unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings and exposures. These data measure how often people use the health care system because of serious and accidental CO exposure. Data includes these indicators:
- Emergency department (ED) visits.
- Hospitalizations.
Find Out More
- About These Data (found in query search results).
- Metadata (technical information about the content, quality and context of the data) for:
More data can be found through the MDHHS CO Surveillance Program, which collects data on cases of illness and death due to unintentional CO poisoning in Michigan. The program analyzes the data to identify high risk groups and trends in CO poisoning. The results are presented in the annual CO poisoning reports.
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Learn More
Michigan
- Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- MDHHS
- Wayne State University
National
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MiTracking Resources
Fact Sheets
- General.
- Activities.
- Events.
- Places.
Newsletter
Press Release
- November 8, 2024 - Michigan residents reminded of carbon monoxide dangers; routinely check detectors and appliances.
- November 2, 2023 - MDHHS reminds Michigan residents to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Videos
Visit MiTracking Resources for program information, fact sheets, tutorials, etc.