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Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

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Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

risk detector badgeCarbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is found wherever carbon-based fuel, like charcoal, gasoline, propane and wood, is burned. All fuel-burning appliances and equipment release CO, including vehicles, furnaces or boilers, water heaters and portable generators. CO builds up in enclosed and partially enclosed spaces, like garages and barns. 

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 suddenly or over a long period of time. CO can cause serious illness or death in just minutes.

CO is a leading cause of poisoning deaths despite being preventable. 727 Michiganders had emergency department visits for CO poisoning in 2022 (MiTracking Data Portal).

CO poisoning emergency department visits and hospitalizations data are available on the MiTracking Data Portal.