Michigan agencies remind residents of carbon monoxide poisoning risks

November is Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month

LANSING, Mich. - November is Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety Awareness Month and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and Michigan State Police (MSP) remind residents of the dangers of CO and urge them to take preventive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November 2026 as Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month in Michigan to help raise awareness and encourage safe practices.

"Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, taste or smell - but it can be deadly when you breathe it in," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, confusion and shortness of breath. I urge families to have working carbon monoxide detectors in their homes to help prevent tragedies."

Each year, CO poisonings lead to emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths. In 2024, there were 608 cases of illness due to unintentional CO poisoning, including 42 deaths, recorded among Michigan residents according to the 2024 Michigan Carbon Monoxide Surveillance Report.

CO poisoning affects all ages but can be a greater risk for younger and older individuals.

• Developing babies: Fetal blood cells absorb CO more easily than adult blood cells.

• Children: Smaller bodies that breathe more rapidly mean children can potentially take in more CO.

• Older adults: This group is at a higher risk of illness due to CO exposure. They may be more likely to develop brain damage.

• Everyone: Symptoms of CO poisoning worsen the longer you are exposed.

"Carbon monoxide exposure is preventable, but you have to take action before there is an emergency," said State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes. "Have working carbon monoxide alarms, maintain fuel-burning appliances and use generators and other equipment safely. If an alarm sounds or you think carbon monoxide may be present, get outside into fresh air and call 911. Don't try to find the source or wait to see if the alarm stops."

CO facts:

• CO is a poisonous gas. You cannot see, taste or smell CO, but it can be deadly when inhaled.

• CO is found where carbon-based fuels, including natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, propane, charcoal, oil and wood, are burned.

• All fuel-burning items, including vehicles and portable generators, release CO.

• CO can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Opening windows or doors does NOT stop CO buildup. If a CO detector goes off or someone has CO poisoning symptoms, remember to get out into fresh air and call 911 for assistance.

Law enforcement works closely with partner agencies to ensure first responders are trained and prepared for CO emergencies.

"Because carbon monoxide can be deadly, it's essential to know the risks and be prepared to protect your family during the winter months," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. "The Michigan State Police is committed to partnering with other agencies to make sure first responders are trained to identify the dangers of exposure and respond appropriately."

CO poisoning prevention tips:

• Install 10-year lithium battery detectors on every level of your home and near all sleeping areas. Smoke detectors do not alert to CO exposure.

• Inspect fuel-burning vehicles yearly and repair any exhaust system leaks immediately.

• Never run a vehicle inside a garage or in any enclosed or partially enclosed space - even with doors open.

• Have heating systems, water heaters and all fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected annually to ensure proper operation and ventilation.

• Never use outdoor fuel-burning equipment, e.g., grills, generators, gas-powered saws, heaters, etc., inside a home including the basement, or in a tent, garage or camper. Do not heat living spaces with a gas oven.

• Operate portable generators at least 20 feet away from enclosed structures. Use extra-long, grounded extension cords as needed.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/carbonmonoxide.
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