JACKSON, MI (WHTC) – Consumers Energy is reminding Michigan residents to protect themselves against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning during Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Week, declared by Gov. Rick Snyder to be October 23-29 this year.
Carbon monoxide is produced when appliances and consumer products are improperly operating or are not vented properly. This includes furnaces, boilers, water heaters, ovens, fireplaces, portable heaters, generators and vehicles. Incomplete combustion of fuels, including oil, wood, natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal and diesel fuel, can also cause deadly amounts of carbon monoxide to form.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often mimic the flu and can include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and stinging or burning of the eyes. Prolonged exposure can cause disorientation, convulsions, loss of consciousness and even death.
Consumers Energy has tips online to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
