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PEHSU Factsheet: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children and Pregnant People > Summary of Key Points

Summary of Key Points

posted on Jan 31, 2022
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic, colorless, odorless, tasteless, and flammable gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons such as firewood, charcoal, gasoline, and natural gas.
  • CO poisonings often occur during power outages related to natural disasters.
  • All individuals are at risk and have the potential to die from CO poisoning. Infants, children, and pregnant people represent a unique and vulnerable population.
  • Symptoms of CO poisoning are often non-specific and without correlation to the level of exposure.