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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that usually gives no warning signs. When levels rise high enough to be harmful, people may not realize they are being exposed. The gas prevents the body from using oxygen properly, and severe exposure can cause death or permanent organ damage. Even low levels can be dangerous for children, the elderly, unborn babies, and individuals with heart conditions.

“High levels of carbon monoxide are dangerous for everyone. Severe exposure may cause death or lasting damage to organs,” said Mitch Ricketts, an agriculture safety and health professor at Kansas State University.

Common sources of carbon monoxide include internal combustion engines and fuel-burning appliances, such as lawn mowers, generators, power washers, cars, tractors, combines, skid-steer loaders, and forklifts. Ricketts said levels can be dangerous even when oxygen displacement is minimal, making carbon monoxide detectors essential for safety.

Early signs of exposure include dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, headache, and chest discomfort. Immediate medical attention is necessary for those exposed to high levels, and 911 should be called if someone collapses. Proper equipment maintenance, outdoor venting, and installing detectors indoors or in garages can reduce risk.