TRENTON, N.J. — As New Jersey prepares for a major winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and possible power outages, the New Jersey Poison Control Center is warning residents about an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during and after severe winter weather.
Carbon monoxide, often called “the silent killer,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up quickly indoors and in enclosed spaces, sickening or killing people and pets. The poison control center urged residents to treat suspected exposure as a medical emergency and to seek help immediately.
“Depending on where you live, you may experience heavy wind, snow, ice, and possible power outages,” said Bruce Ruck, managing director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “It is important for people to be aware of the increased risk of exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning during and after winter storms. Our medical providers at the poison control center are available 24/7 to provide medical help and guidance to people right where they are. Each winter, the poison center sees an uptick in calls for exposures and injuries to a wide range of potential poisons related to dangerous weather, including antifreeze, ice melting products, and carbon monoxide.”
The poison control center said carbon monoxide is produced by fuel-burning appliances and equipment, including portable generators, furnaces, stoves, dryers, space heaters and vehicles. Because the gas provides no warning — it cannot be seen, smelled, heard or tasted — working carbon monoxide detectors are the only reliable way to detect it in a living area, officials said.
“While CO poisoning is a concern regardless of weather conditions or time of year, we always see an increase in exposure to carbon monoxide during the winter, especially when we have dangerous weather,” said Ruck. “Using the stove to heat the house, charging phones in running cars in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces or surrounded by snow, or using any gas-powered appliances or equipment like portable generators or space heaters can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up very quickly.”
Early symptoms can resemble common winter illnesses such as colds, flu or COVID-19, officials said, and may include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. High exposure levels can lead to unconsciousness and death.
The center urged residents to avoid using grills, camp stoves or other gasoline-, propane-, natural gas- or charcoal-burning devices indoors — including in basements, garages, carports, campers, boat cabins or tents — and to keep portable generators outside at least 20 feet from homes, away from doors, windows and vents.
Officials also cautioned drivers not to idle vehicles in snowbanks and to clear tailpipes and surrounding snow to prevent exhaust from entering the car.
If carbon monoxide exposure is suspected, residents should leave the building immediately, contact their local fire department or energy provider, and call the New Jersey Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for treatment advice. If someone is unconscious, not breathing, having a seizure or is difficult to wake, call 911, officials said.
