Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Perhaps one of the most frightening aspects of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is the fact that most victims don’t even realize when it’s happening to them. This is because CO is a colorless, odorless gas that humans cannot detect with their senses alone. Often times, victims don’t even realize something is wrong until they begin showing signs of sickness. Unfortunately, CO poisoning claims the lives of hundreds of people each year.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 25 thousand Americans must seek medical attention for serious cases of CO poisoning every year. Annually, an average of approximately 400 people each year die because of fatal CO exposure.

CO fumes are created by the incomplete combustion of fuels within machinery such as cars, trucks, stoves, small engines, grills, lanterns, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. If these CO fumes build up indoors, they can slowly and silently poison both humans and animals who breathe them in. According to the CDC, “People who are sleeping, intoxicated, or otherwise incapacitated can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.”

It is extremely important to recognize the signs of potential CO poisoning within your own home, so you can reduce the risk of potential illness or death. Some of the most common symptoms of CO poisoning in humans include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness and confusion
• Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach
• Weakness
• Chest pain
• “Flu-like” symptoms

CO poisoning is a silent danger that many Americans unknowingly face on a daily basis. To ensure that you and your family remain safe, make sure that your home is outfitted with an up-to-date, battery-operated CO detector that will immediately alert you should danger arise.

Contact a New York Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered a CO-related injury or if you lost a loved one due to the negligence of a property owner, know that help is available to you. At Hach & Rose, LLP, our experienced premises liability attorneys will seek justice on your behalf and take every necessary action to obtain the financial compensation you deserve.