Carbon Monoxide Poisoning release
The number of emergency department visits related to carbon monoxide poisoning is rising. We've had one death this winter season in Chaves County. ERD's Enviromental Health Tracking Program reached out to try to get a release out asap - asap because a winter storm in northern and central NM mountains may increase the chances of more hospital visits, even deaths. Working document: NR_Carbon Monoxide Poisoning_Symptoms and Prevention_02_2024 . Program would like it out today as storm hits tomorrow, but I am out for the afternoon, so shooting for early tomorrow, 2/7.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7 , 2024
Falling temperatures raise risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
Knowing the symptoms and prevention tips can save a life.
SANTA FE – Emergency department s in hospitals statewide are seeing a rise in c arbon monoxide poiso ning (CO) related visits startin g in fall 2023 through the current winter season. The New Mexico Department of Health ( DOH) encourages everyone to know the symptoms and ways to prevent CO poisoning.
T he latest snowstorm in the state is forecasted this week to bring potential heavy snow mainly in the western and northern mountains , but a ny i ncreased chance of falling temperatures a l so increases risks for CO poison in g no matter the location .
Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that a person cannot see, smell, or taste. It is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by gas heaters, small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges or by burning charcoal and wood.
The DOH ’s Enviro n mental Public Health Tracking Program reports that from Oct . 1 , 2023, to today, there have been 89 emergency department visits for CO-poisonings reported from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) . One death has been reported from NSSP of a 59- year-old male in Chavez C ounty.
Between 2017 and 2021 – the most recent data year available – there were 73 CO-related deaths in New Mexico .
At-risk populations include infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory illness , and people who work with or around combustion engines, such as warehouse workers . The symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and an altered mental status. Seek medical help early if you suspect CO poisoning. People who survive may develop long-term neurological problems.
T he best ways to prevent CO exposure include :
H av e your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliance serviced by a qualified technician every year.
I nstall a CO detector in your home, business, RV, cabin, or barn, and replace the battery each spring and fall. If the detector sounds, leave immediately.
Never use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home or building structure, basement, garage, or outside near an open window.
Do not run an automobile inside a garage attached to a house – even if you leave the door open.
Do not heat your house with a gas oven .
Do not run a gasoline-powered engine less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent .
For additional guidance, visit the NM DOH Environmental Public Health Tracking Program page on carbon monoxide poisonin g , the CDC’s page for additional prevention tips or contact the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a notifiable condition in the state of New Mexico. Hospitals, clinics, practitioners, and first responders should immediately report any suspected carbon monoxide poisoning by calling the DOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773.