These are some situations in which high levels of carbon monoxide
can be produced: 

  • A nurse told me about a fatal case of CO poisoning in which a baby was placed beside a running boat motor.

  • A car or truck running close to a building can leak fumes inside.

  • Faulty heating systems can produce excessive CO.

  • A chimney that does not draw correctly can result in CO flowing into the home instead of out the top.  The chimney may not draw correctly because of improper original design/construction, improper use, or  because cleaning is needed.  A fireplace built for coal burning cannot be used to burn wood. 

  • Farmers have suffered CO poisoning when they used gasoline powered pressure washers in enclosed barns.

  • Generators have caused many CO poisonings whether they are used for tailgating or emergency power.

  • Charcoal briquettes always produce CO.  When used indoors, CO poisoning can occur.

  • Campers/RVs/houseboats that use anything other than electricity need to have cooking and heating systems checked regularly.

  • A faulty boiler at a university dorm caused the death of two students when fumes leaked into their dorm room.

  • Kerosene heaters are a convenient source of heat, but a great danger if the exhaust gases they produce are not vented to the outside.