March of Dimes
Your Baby’s Environment
 
Protecting Your Baby from Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that has no taste, color or odor. It is produced by appliances, heaters, cars and trucks.

If a person breathes in too much carbon monoxide, the blood has trouble transporting oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, fainting, lung damage, brain damage and even death. It is more dangerous for children than for adults.

In homes, carbon monoxide can be trapped if:

  • Appliances, furnaces and stoves are not working properly.
  • A charcoal grill is used in an enclosed space.
  • A car is left idling in an attached garage.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Child from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially near the bedrooms. Detectors are available at hardware and home-supply stores. Check the batteries regularly to be sure the detectors are working.
  • Do not heat your house with a gas stove or oven.
  • Do not use a charcoal grill or camping stove in the house or in any other enclosed space.
  • Do not let your car or truck idle in an attached garage, even if the door is open.
  • Be sure furnaces, woodstoves, gas-powered appliances, and fireplaces are inspected and maintained every year. 
  • Do not burn anything in an unvented stove or fireplace.
  • If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and you or your child feels dizzy, light-headed or nauseous, leave the house and get medical care as soon as possible.

April 2008


  
  © 2008 March of Dimes Foundation. All rights reserved. The March of Dimes is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.