Free Consultation. No Fees Until You Collect. Call 24 Hours a Day 1-800-4-RIGHTS
Minnesota Offices

Serving all of Minnesota
Call 1-800-4-RIGHTS

If you’re recovering, we’ll come to you. Or we’ll set up a meeting at one of our convenient office locations:

See all results for ‘
Enter 3 or more characters for full site search

Carbon Monoxide Risks in the Winter

Over the winter months, carbon monoxide poisoning and deaths spike in Minnesota. While many people often have fire detectors or smoke alarms in their homes, a staggering amount of people rarely concern themselves with installing a carbon monoxide detector.

And yet, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) every year, approximately 430 people die and 50,000 people end up in emergency due to carbon monoxide poisoning. In Minnesota alone, there were around 14 carbon monoxide related deaths.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is sometimes confused with carbon dioxide. While carbon dioxide is also a gas, it naturally occurs in the atmosphere. Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. While large amounts of carbon dioxide aren’t good for humans either, carbon monoxide does not naturally occur in the atmosphere and can cause severe health problems even at low concentrations.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas. It has no detectable odor, taste, or color, which is why it can be so dangerous. You can inhale carbon monoxide and, due to its tasteless, odorless, and colorless properties, never know you are breathing it in.

Carbon monoxide is harmful when inhaled because it displaces oxygen in the blood, depriving our vital organs (including our heart and lungs) of oxygen. Large amounts of carbon monoxide can kill within minutes without warning. Victims quickly lose consciousness and suffocate.

 
 

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Often, if carbon monoxide is building in the home, it builds up over time, and victims typically get warning signs, or symptoms, of carbon monoxide poisoning. These may include:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Sudden chest pains for people suffering from angina

Many of the symptoms may seem like early symptoms of the cold and flu, which are also typical winter illnesses. For this reason, early signs of carbon monoxide often go untreated. During prolonged or high carbon monoxide exposure, symptoms become more severe and may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Collapse
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Muscle weakness

Symptoms vary widely from person to person. Symptoms may also occur sooner in those most susceptible to environmental changes, including young children, the elderly, or individuals with lung or heart disease. Carbon monoxide poses an especially grave risk to fetuses.

If caught in time, carbon monoxide poisoning is reversible, and victims of poisoning can recover. Acute poisoning, however, may result in severe damage to various parts of the body (specifically the heart and brain) due to the deprivation of oxygen over an extended period.

 

What causes carbon monoxide build up in homes

There are many causes of household carbon monoxide buildup. Household appliances such as gas fires, boilers, heating systems, and open fires that use gas, oil, coal, or wood are often the culprits.

A car left running in a small space (such as a garage) can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Blocked flues or chimneys may also add to the rise of carbon monoxide. Even fumes from specific paint removers or cleansing fluids can cause poisoning within the home.

Winter often exasperates carbon monoxide buildup because, unlike in the milder months, windows and doors are more likely to be sealed shut, effectively trapping the gas inside and allowing it to build over time.

With Minnesota being an unusually cold state, and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning being high over the winter months, it’s important for households to install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector.

 

Carbon monoxide detector requirements for Minnesota homes

In Minnesota, all new homes and existing single-family and multi-unit homes have carbon monoxide alarms. Under statute 299F.51:

  • The owner is required to have a home equipped with one or more approved carbon monoxide alarms and must:
    • Provide and install one alarm within ten feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping and
    • Replace any alarm system that has been stolen, removed, missing, or rendered inoperable during a prior occupancy
  • The occupant of each dwelling must:
    • Keep and maintain the device in good repair
    • Replace any device that has been stolen, removed, missing, or rendered inoperable during occupancy

It is also an offense to remove or render inoperable any required carbon monoxide alarm.

Note that, because the requirements for carbon monoxide alarms are statutes and not a rule, the requirements for alarms may not be enforced by building officials.

How to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home

It’s essential to have enough carbon monoxide detectors in your home to cover all levels, including the basement and attic.

In Minnesota, carbon monoxide detectors must be:

  • hardwired into the electrical system, or
  • directly plugged into an electrical outlet without a switch, or
  • battery powered.

Place a carbon monoxide sensor near each bedroom, on each floor, and anywhere else required by local laws and according to the detector’s instructions.

How to maintain your detector

It’s crucial to maintain your carbon monoxide detector to keep it in good working order. Carbon monoxide sensors should be cleared of debris every six months or so. If they are battery-powered, batteries should also be changed twice a year.

To clean your carbon monoxide sensor:

  1. Wipe down the outside of the detector with a soft cloth to remove dust or debris from the area around the sensor
  2. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and gently vacuum the detector
  3. Spray around the area with a canned air duster to remove any remaining debris

It’s also important to replace your carbon monoxide detector every five to seven years to ensure that you will always have a unit that is in proper working order installed in your home.

What to do if your detector goes off

Your carbon monoxide alarm will go off only when it detects a high buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. The effects of carbon monoxide start being felt in humans when the buildup is at about 50ppm, so it’s vital to ensure your carbon monoxide alarm will detect any buildup before it reaches this level in the home.

If your alarm does go off:

  • Don’t panic
  • Gather everyone in the home and move outside for fresh air
  • If you can, open all windows and air out your home before heading outside
  • Check everyone for flu-like symptoms that may suggest poisoning. If anyone does appear ill, call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Do not re-enter your home until the alarm stops and/or the home has been cleared by the proper authorities
  • Contact a professional to evaluate fuel-burning appliances and other carbon monoxide sources to prevent further incidents

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious condition. If you fear you may be experiencing carbon monoxide, it’s essential to see a doctor and to get your home cleared as soon as possible. Long term exposure can be dangerous and deadly. That’s why it’s important if you haven’t already, to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Detectors are affordable and readily available at major home improvement and department stores and doing so may save your life or the life of those you love.

If you’ve suffered a carbon monoxide poisoning from shoddy craftsmanship or defective products, you may be eligible for compensation. SiebenCarey is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Related Posts

Client Reviews

out of 200 reviews
St. Paul Local 12

Thanks for everything, your experience paid off BIG!!!

Daniel Ball

Really good professionals, they solved my issues in no time using the most impressive and advanced approach. Really good, highly recommended.

Jazz Smith

SiebenCarey is a professional and dedicated law organization that help accident victim.

Carly R.

My boyfriend was hit by a car and while all the attorneys he talked to said he didn't have much chance of a case, SiebenCarey took him on and gave him a fighting chance. He's still recovering, but SiebenCarey is making it a lot easier.

Jesse Bukal

In need of a personal injury attorney? Well you're if you're reading this you're in the right place. You'd be hard pressed to find more competent attorneys than the ones here at SiebenCarey.

They took my case to trial and an amazing job presenting the facts and fighting for my best interests! Three years ago I was unsure of what my future would bring; now that it's over I can rest a bit easier. With SiebenCarey as my counsel, I believe I had the absolute BEST representation a person could've asked for. I knew that I wanted the absolute best representation when searching for an attorney to handle my case and I most definitely received it.

If you need a personal injury attorney, look no further. Can't recommend highly enough.

Renee Goneau

SiebenCarey is a great personal injury law firm that really cares about their clients.  Highly recommend!

Eric Petoletti

Even though I was states away and could only talk on the phone, they listened and did everything that they could to win my case. I felt like I was a part of the family.

Jenna L. at Insider Pages

I have had nothing but great service with these guys. They are very knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects and topic. They will help you with any case you need!

Morgan Petoletti

My husband had an amazing experience with this firm. They listened and took the time to understand our case.

Randy Ridout

The team at SiebenCarey was extremely dedicated in helping me with my case. Jim and his staff were knowledgeable, caring , friendly, and sympathetic throughout the entire case. They are like family to me. I would highly recommend them.

Award Winning Know Your Rights Attorneys

Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists

8 Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, Minnesota Bar Association
3 Board Certified Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy.

2022 Super Lawyers

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

2022 Best Lawyers in America©

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

2022 U.S. News Best Law Firms

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

Attorneys of the Year

5 of our attorneys have been recognized as Attorneys of the Year

FREE DOWNLOAD

50%

To help us recommend the best resources for you, please indicate the relevant accident type below:

Step 1 of 2: Case

Please select an answer before proceeding

Please enter your email address below so we can send your download link right away.

Step 2 of 2: Download

Please enter your valid email address so we can send your download link and special printing instructions.

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.

FREE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE

50%

To help us customize our resources for you, please indicate the relevant accident type below:

Step 1 of 2: Accident Type

Please select an answer before proceeding

Please enter your email address below so we can send your download link right away.

Step 2 of 2: Download

Please enter your valid email address so we can send your download link and special printing instructions.

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.

FREE DOWNLOAD!

50%
The Minnesota No-Fault Fact Sheet is a valuable resource for all Minnesotans

Have you been in a recent accident, if so, which type?

Please select an answer before proceeding

Please enter your email address below so we can send your download link right away.

Please enter your valid email address so we can send your download link and special printing instructions.

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.

Had an Accident or Injury?
WE CAN HELP!

  • No risk or obligation. We only collect fees if you win.
  • Free review of your options and potential for success.
  • Trusted by more than 65,000 people just like you since 1952.

Call us 24/7 at 1-800-4-RIGHTS(744487)

Or complete the form

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.
Please enter the required information above

Would you recommend us?

We are interested in hearing about your experience with SiebenCarey Personal Injury Law.

Would you mind leaving a review? If so, please take a moment to tell us about your experience and also mention the attorney you worked with. Your feedback helps us to improve our services to you and all clients.

Step 1 of 2:

Contact Us

We strive to provide top quality legal and customer service. We're sorry that we didn't meet our own expectations for you - How can we do better?

Please enter the required information above