What causes carbon monoxide poisoning?

What causes carbon monoxide poisoning?

Many appliances and vehicles burn fuel and emit (release) carbon monoxide. When people use and maintain these appliances correctly, the CO levels usually aren’t harmful.

CO poisoning happens when people use fuel-burning appliances without proper ventilation or in other unsafe ways. For example, it can be dangerous if you:

• Let your car or truck idle in an enclosed space, such as a garage.
• Have a vehicle with a blocked exhaust system, such as by snow in the tailpipe.
• Use a kerosene heater or gas barbecue grill indoors.