The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that each year approximately 25 people die and hundreds more suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning when they burn charcoal in enclosed areas such as their homes, in campers or vans, or in tents. Some of the victims die from carbon monoxide poisoning after they burn charcoal in a bedroom or living room for heat or cooking. Some are campers who burn charcoal inside a tent or camper to keep warm. Others are hunters who burn charcoal inside their trucks, cars or vans. Those who do not die can suffer headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, disorientation or collapse.
Some people have permanent damage, including memory loss or personality change.
To protect yourself, have equipment serviced yearly by a qualified service contractor, install fire and carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas, and never use charcoal to cook or provide heat inside enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented. Click here to read the latest Living stories.