Opening a window might be able to slow carbon monoxide poisoning, but it probably won’t stop it from occurring. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide, call 911 immediately.

Carbon monoxide is called a “silent killer” because we usually aren’t aware of its presence until it’s too late. As a colorless, odorless gas, CO can build up inside your home completely unnoticed. While you might think opening a window can prevent a problem, it is not enough to keep you from danger if carbon monoxide is present.

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Can opening a window stop carbon monoxide poisoning?

Opening a window will slow carbon monoxide poisoning, but it likely won’t stop it. There simply isn’t enough airflow through most windows to get rid of the poisonous gas, and it could take between four and eight hours for the CO to dissipate entirely.

Furthermore, if the airflow going out of the room isn’t greater than the airflow coming into the room, opening a window won’t make any difference. To help ensure that there is more air leaving than coming in, open as many doors and windows as you can and turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen if you have them.

It is still imperative that you leave the building immediately as this will not fix the problem, and you will still be exposed to carbon monoxide.

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What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. When exposed to CO, it can stop your circulatory system from effectively moving oxygen around your body. High doses can cause death from a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Everyone is exposed to tiny amounts of carbon monoxide every day; however, certain circumstances can cause excess to build up inside our homes. For example, a vehicle left running inside an attached garage or a

wood-burning fireplace

that’s not properly vented can cause dangerous CO levels in a house.

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Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

You should be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, so you can act as quickly as possible if you become ill. Common signs include:

Dizziness

Weakness

Dull headache

Nausea or vomiting

Confusion

Loss of muscle coordination

Shortness of breath

Blurred vision

Loss of consciousness

CO poisoning can be especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or under the influence of mind-altering substances. They might have irreversible brain damage or die before anyone else realizes there is a problem.

What should you do if you experience carbon monoxide poisoning?

If you suspect that you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide or have carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 or get to an emergency room immediately.

At the hospital, a healthcare provider will do a blood test to confirm CO poisoning, and you’ll be given an oxygen mask to offset the carbon monoxide buildup.

Because the test doesn’t show how severe the poisoning is or if you’ll have long-term health problems because of it, the doctor will base further treatment on:

An estimate of how long you were exposed to the gas

The concentration of the gas

Your general overall health

After making an assessment, your doctor will provide you with any further treatment needed. You should make sure your home is free of carbon monoxide before you return.

Key Takeaway The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be subtle and may mimic other conditions. If you have any of the above signs and there is any chance you may have been exposed to CO, get into the fresh air and seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Aside from installing a

carbon monoxide detector

, there are a few preventative measures you can use to stop CO buildup in your home:

Do a yearly inspection: At the start of each heating season, hire a professional inspector to check items such as your furnace, water heater, and space heaters

Use appliances safely: Choose appliances that vent fumes outdoors, and follow the instructions for any fuel-burning appliances.

Never use a gas stove or clothes dryer as a heating source, and make sure to use the proper fuel for gas and kerosene heaters

Never sleep in an unvented room with a portable heater or stove

Never idle a truck or car inside a garage, even if the door is open

Don’t use gas-powered engines, including generators or power washers, in enclosed spaces

Never use a charcoal grill indoors

Pro Tip You should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home, especially inside sleeping areas and attached garages. For best results, install them at least four feet above the floor or on the ceiling.

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Where to put carbon monoxide detectors in your house

Home insurance and carbon monoxide

Your homeowners insurance is designed to protect your house and your belongings. Depending on your policy and specific coverages, liability or umbrella insurance may cover damages due to carbon monoxide exposure.

If you’ve examined your policy and decided it’s time to make a change, Jerry can help! Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find home and car insurance that’s customized for you.

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