PEHSU Factsheet: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children and Pregnant People > 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.