To prevent household carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, install CO detectors outside bedrooms and on every floor, maintain heating systems and chimneys annually, use vented appliances, and avoid blocking vents. Open windows when using generators or grills outdoors.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion in fuel-burning appliances. Proper prevention reduces poisoning risks, which claim approximately 500 lives annually in the U.S. (CDC, 2022). CO detectors, required in 43 states, detect leaks and alert residents within seconds. A 2021 CPSC study found homes with properly installed detectors had a 50% lower risk of CO-related hospitalizations. Regular maintenance of heating systems and chimneys is critical, as blockages or cracks can allow CO to accumulate. The EPA estimates 90% of preventable CO incidents occur in homes with poorly maintained vents. Vented appliances, such as gas stoves and water heaters, ensure combustion gases exit safely. Unvented appliances, like portable heaters, pose higher risks. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports 78% of CO poisonings involve faulty or improperly used equipment. Opening windows during generator use reduces concentrations by up to 70%, per a 2020 study in Environmental Science & Technology. Public education campaigns, like those by the American Lung Association, have contributed to a 30% decline in CO-related ER visits since 2015. Proactive measures save lives and align with the EPA’s goal of reducing CO emissions by 50% by 2030.