Carbon Monoxide

This project was supported with funds from the Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services as part of the Taking Action with Data project.

Carbon monoxide is a gas that can’t be seen or smelled but is dangerous-even deadly.

It's made when fuels—like gas, kerosene, propane, or wood—are burned. In homes, carbon monoxide can quickly build up from a poorly vented or malfunctioning heater, furnace, range, fuel-powered appliances, or a car left idling in a garage.

Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of deadly poisonings.

Protect yourself and your family. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level in your home.

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

CO poisoning can happen any time of year, but it is more common in the fall and winter months. While some populations like infants, people with respiratory conditions, and those older than 65 are at increased risk of illness, anyone can experience symptoms of CO poisoning.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Confusion
• Impaired coordination, and
• Loss of consciousness

At high levels, carbon monoxide can cause death within minutes. Go to fresh air and call 911 immediately if you see the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or if your alarm sounds.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms. Wisconsin State law requires carbon monoxide detectors to be placed on each floor level in all Wisconsin homes. It is best to have them located near sleeping areas. Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector where you have fuel burning devices such as in tents, cabins, campers and RVs. Test CO detectors monthly.
• Have your furnace, wood-burning stove, and chimney inspected every year.
• Never run a car in an enclosed space. Even with a door or window open, CO levels can build to unsafe levels.
• Always run generators outside at least 20 feet from people.
• Never run a grill or gas propane heater inside your home.

If you need assistance in getting a Carbon Monoxide Detector for your home, contact Public Health Sauk County at 608-355-3290.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws in Wisconsin: 

• All single family and two-unit homes, new and existing, must install a CO alarm on every floor level near sleeping areas.
• New construction must be hard-wired with a battery back-up.
• Existing homes (built before February 1, 2011) may install battery, plug-in, or combination smoke/CO devices.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall bear an Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., listing mark.
• The law took effect February 1, 2011.
• Alarms should be installed in accordance with directions from manufacturer.
• Exceptions:
  • CO alarms are required in new and existing homes that have any fuel burning appliance, which includes: stoves, ovens, grills, clothes dryers, furnaces, boilers, water heaters, fireplaces and heaters OR an attached garage.  If none of the above apply, no CO detector is needed.
  • Alarms do not need to be installed in the attic, garage, or storage area of homes.

For more information: 

• EPA Carbon Monoxide’s Impact on Indoor Air Quality: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/carbon-monoxides-impact-indoor-air-quality
• WI DHS Carbon Monoxide: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/air/co.htm
• CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: https://www.cdc.gov/co/