April 2023: Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month

WHEREAS, unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes at least 1,000 hospital emergency room visits, 100 hospitalizations, and 20 deaths in Michigan each year according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; 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 like the flu including headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, achiness, and confusion, and CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and even death; and,

WHEREAS, poorer communities 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, pregnant women and babies, the elderly, 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 by all fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, ovens, fireplaces, generators, portable heaters, charcoal grills, lawn mowers, snow blowers, boats, and vehicles and can reach harmful levels if not properly cared for or improperly operated or ventilated; 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: homes, businesses, RVs, boats, tents, garages, carports, and cabins; 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 per year or per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace your CO detector every five to seven 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 off your car in the garage. Never warm up your car in 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 20 feet away from your home.
• If you suspect you have been exposed to CO, leave the area, get fresh air immediately, if you feel sick call 911 or go to the emergency department if you are able, and then call your local fire department or utility company prior to returning to that area; 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 maintained and equipped to protect themselves and loved ones against possible poisoning;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month in Michigan.