April 2022: Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month

WHEREAS, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes at least 430 deaths and around 50,000 hospital emergency room visits in the U.S. per year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and,

WHEREAS, CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and poisonous gas known as the "Invisible Killer," requiring an electronic sensor to detect; and,

WHEREAS, the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are non-descript and similar to other illnesses including, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, and high levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and even death; and,

WHEREAS, communities who are socially and economically disadvantaged are at greater risk of CO poisoning, because these populations tend to have older appliances, vehicles, and yard tools that emit more CO and/or have fewer safety features designed to prevent CO poisoning; and,

WHEREAS, children, due to a faster respiratory rate and smaller body size, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or cardiovascular disease, are particularly susceptible to the negative health effects of CO exposure; and,

WHEREAS, CO is produced at harmful levels by the improper operation and ventilation of all fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, ovens, fireplaces, generators, portable heaters, charcoal grills, boats, and vehicles; and,

WHEREAS, CO poisoning is also caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels including oil, propane, natural gas, wood, coals, kerosene, gasoline, and diesel; and,

WHEREAS, unintentional CO poisoning can occur almost anywhere – in homes, businesses, RVs, cabins – and can also occur when equipment, such as generators, vehicles, power lawn equipment, and snow blowers, are improperly used; and,

WHEREAS, Michiganders can protect themselves and their families against this invisible killer by installing CO detectors with audible alarms, and reduce their risk of CO poisoning by following these simple steps:

• Install a CO detector near your bedroom and sleeping areas and have one on each level of your home.
• Test the CO detector each month and replace the batteries twice a year or per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace your CO detector every 5 to 7 years or per the manufacturer’s instructions..
• Keep furnaces and other appliances in proper working order through annual inspections and tune-ups and follow all manufacturers’ operating directions.
• Turn your car off in the garage. Never warm up your car inside the garage.
• Operate fuel powered equipment in a place where there is adequate ventilation and never in enclosed spaces. Generators must be located outside at least 25 feet away from your home.
• If you suspect you have been exposed to CO, leave the area immediately and then call your local fire department or utility company; and,

WHEREAS, awareness of CO safety in Michigan is a top priority, and residents are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/CarbonMonoxide or CDC.gov/CO to learn about this poisonous gas and ensure homes, workplaces, equipment, and appliances are equipped and maintained to protect themselves and loved ones against possible poisoning;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2022 as Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month in Michigan.