Unintentional Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Not Linked to Fires Kills More Than 400 Americans Each Year

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 400 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning not linked to fires. In addition, 20,000 people visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized annually due to CO exposure.

Carbon monoxide is found in fumes produced any time fossil fuels are used in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, water heaters, gas ranges, furnaces or generators. Improperly vented wood burning stoves and fireplaces can also be a source of CO poisoning.

This odorless and colorless gas can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it in. The CDC reports that the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomachs, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. The symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If a person breathes in a lot of CO it can make them pass out and result in death. The agency also points out that people who are sleeping can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.

“With the arrival of the cold winter months, there have already been far too many cases of CO poisoning from faulty furnaces and heaters that have resulted in numerous deaths,” said Jody Thomason, Vice President of Products/Corporate Purchasing for EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To prevent these tragedies, there should be carbon monoxide detectors, in addition to smoke detectors, in all homes and buildings. At EMSL, we provide air testing services for CO and other combustion gases, as well as testing for a wide array of airborne pollutants. We also sell and rent air testing, monitoring and data logging field instruments associated with combustion gases and other airborne hazards.”

EMSL has sponsored an educational video about carbon monoxide exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/-812ywMTxhU.

To learn more about carbon monoxide and other air quality testing services, or for access to sampling supplies and monitoring instruments, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail