CPSC Warns of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with Camping Equipment
Consumer Product Safety Commission
CPSC Warns of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with Camping Equipment
CPSC Document #5008
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns
consumers that each year there are about 30 deaths and 450
injuries because of carbon monoxide poisoning from the use of
portable camping heaters, lanterns, or stoves inside tents,
campers, and vehicles. Follow these guidelines to prevent this
colorless, odorless gas from poisoning you and your family.
- Do not use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in
enclosed areas such as tents, campers, and other vehicles. This
is especially important at high altitudes, where the risk of
carbon monoxide poisoning is increased.
- Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache,
dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion.
Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low
blood oxygen levels can result in loss of consciousness and
death.
- See a doctor if you or a member of your family develops cold or
flu-like symptoms while camping. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which
can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, is often detected too
late.
- Alcohol consumption and drug use increase the effects of carbon
monoxide poisoning.
- Carbon monoxide is especially toxic to mother and child during
pregnancy, infants, the elderly, smokers, and people with blood
or circulatory system problems, such as anemia, or heart disease.
- CPSC is working with the camping equipment industry to limit
the amount of carbon monoxide produced by portable heaters,
lanterns, and stoves. Labels warning campers about carbon
monoxide poisoning are being developed for these products.
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