Fall and Winter Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Cold Weather Increases the Chance for CO Poisoning and Deaths
Oct 9, 2009
The colder temperatures of fall and winter naturally cause boaters to tighten up the cabins of their vessels and fire up a stove to ward off the chills. Inadequate ventilation and poorly functioning heaters or generators can significantly raise the levels of poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas on a boat.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas generated by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels like diesel or natural gas. Carbon Monoxide reduces the function of hemoglobin in the blood to transport of oxygen in the body. Excessive levels of CO deprive the body of oxygen needed for life and have a negative impact on the central nervous system.
The gas can be produced by the use of unvented kerosene heaters, charcoal burners, generator exhaust, and improperly maintained furnaces. Symptoms of CO exposure include fatigue, headache, mental confusion, nausea and dizziness. The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic flu symptoms.
Concern Expressed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Recently the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) issued a press release reminding those pursuing outdoor recreation activities about the dangers of carbon monoxide. During the year 2008, five people in Illinois died from CO poisoning in two different incidents involving houseboats. Both cases implicated leaking exhaust gasses from portable generators onboard the vessels.
In the press release, Illinois Boating Law Administrator Joe Morelock says, “One of the biggest mistakes people make with these types of generators, motors, and heaters is installing parts like hoses and seals not made for the heating equipment they are using. Not using parts authorized by the manufacturer can cause these units to leak and not work properly and put people in a dangerous situation.”
Tips for Using Onboard Heating Devices
The IDNR offers some tips for using heating devices and preventing CO poisoning:
- Be sure equipment that burns a petroleum product like gasoline is properly vented and maintained
- Use the correct fuel for the appliance being used Keep a functional carbon monoxide detector in the living spaces of the boat
- Use only replacement parts recognized as acceptable by manufacturers of the heating or generating equipment found on the boat
- Ensure living spaces are properly ventilated at all times
The National Safety Council publishes a carbon monoxide fact sheet that provides useful information about CO. The organization notes that some 166 people die from contact with CO and thousands more are treated for it in the United States each year. One warning from the group is that use of CO detectors should not replace proper use and maintenance of fuel burning appliances.
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