If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, or if several people in a room suddenly get headaches, nausea, or dizziness, get everyone outside before calling for help
If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, for example because the alarm sounds or people indoors have headache, dizziness and nausea, take everyone outside first and then call for help. Flu-like symptoms that worsen indoors and improve outside are an important clue. China reported 11523 carbon-monoxide deaths in 2018, most in winter; during the three winter months, about 70% occurred at home.
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The US CDC describes CO symptoms as flu-like. NHS states that symptoms worsen in the affected room and improve…
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The US CDC describes CO symptoms as flu-like. NHS states that symptoms worsen in the affected room and improve when the person leaves it or goes outdoors. According to China’s disease surveillance system, 11,523 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2018. The highest numbers were recorded in January (2,845 cases), February (2,321 cases), and December (2,010 cases). During those three winter months, 66% to 73% of all deaths happened at home. These figures come directly from official reports, not from population-based estimates. In the United States, over 400 people die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning unrelated to fires; more than 100,000 people seek emergency treatment, and over 14,000 are hospitalized. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission also lists nausea and instructs people who suspect CO poisoning to move outside into fresh air immediately, then call emergency services.
You J, Liu J, Zhou M (2020). Number of Deaths due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning by Month and by Place of Death — China, 2018. China CDC Weekly 2(2):32：「In 2018, there were 11,523 deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning reported in China」. https://doi.org/10.46234/ccdcw2020.008；美国疾病控制与预防中心. 一氧化碳中毒：「More than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires」「More than 100,000 visit an emergency department」「More than 14,000 are hospitalized」，常见症状「headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion」「CO symptoms are often described as "flu-like."」. https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html；美国消费品安全委员会. 一氧化碳信息中心：「Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion」「If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911」. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center；NHS. Carbon monoxide poisoning：「They may get worse when you spend time in an affected room or building and get better when you leave or go outside」. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/
Open source linkSymptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often resemble those of a cold or mild intoxication. When several people in the same space experience these symptoms and feel better immediately after leaving the area, it’s a strong sign of exposure. Make sure everyone exits the building before calling for help, and do not attempt to turn off any valves while still inside. Instructions on how to install a carbon monoxide alarm can be found in Section 1, Item 3.