CLEVELAND — As temperatures drop and Americans begin to turn their heaters back on, MetroHealth is reminding people to be cautious of carbon monoxide poisonings.
The Cleveland hospital chain reported its first cases of carbon monoxide poisoning on Thursday morning, after five patients were admitted with elevated monoxide levels in their blood.
MetroHealth says the five individuals are all recovering, but that people should use their story as a cautionary tale.
Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning can be tricky because the chemical compound is a colorless, odorless gas. That's why MetroHealth is sharing their tips to avoid a scary situation.
1. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, passing out, and even death. According to a MetroHealth spokesperson, underlying health conditions can make symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning worse.
2. Know where carbon monoxide comes from. Carbon monoxide can leak from car exhausts, indoor heaters, generators, and gas, oil, or coal furnaces.
3. Know when you are most vulnerable. Although carbon monoxide poisonings are most commonly reported in the fall and winter months, carbon monoxide poisoning can happen at any time throughout the year.
4. Know what could help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Simple steps like getting a furnace checked before winter, not burning portable heaters inside the house, and always making sure you have a carbon monoxide monitor with fresh batteries could help avoid the situation entirely.