The Basics
What does carbon monoxide smell like?
A) odorless
B) sulfur like rotten eggs
C) sewage
D) can smell like any of the above
A) Odorless
CO2 is an odorless and colorless toxic gas produced in the fuel burning process.
What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
A) Headache, dizziness, feeling sick, weakness, confusion, chest/muscle pain, shortness of breath
B) Headache, nausea, rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, loss of hearing, blurry vision, disorientation
C) Seizure, cardiac arrest, headaches, respiratory failure, coma, death
D) All the above
D) All the above
It's important to seek medical attention at the initial sign and symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A) on each floor
B) near each separate sleeping area
C) 5-20 feet from 5-20 ft from sources of CO2 (e.g. water heater, fireplace, etc.)
D) All the above
D) All the above
Also, choose locations free of obstructions and do not place a unit in unventilated areas or next to a window or door.
It is safe to run the generator from inside the garage as long as you keep the garage door open.
A) True
B) False
B) False. Never use a generator in an enclosed space. This includes garages, even if doors and windows are open.
Which examples below can emit carbon monoxide?
A) vehicle exhausts
B) portable gasoline-powered generators
C) gas water heaters
D) wood burning furnace
E) electric powered lawn mowers
A, B, C, D
CO2 can be produced by anything that burns coal, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, or wood.
Which vital organ does carbon monoxide PRIMARILY affect in the human body?
A) Lungs
B) Heart
C) Brain
D) Kidneys
A) Lungs
Excess carbon monoxide prevents the body from using oxygen properly. People with heart and lung disease along with infants, children, pregnant women and older adults are greater risk.
What's the cost of an average carbon monoxide detector on Amazon?
A) $5-15
B) $15-25
C) $25-35
B) $15-25
CO2 detectors are "a cheap investment for priceless protection." -Nemko
How far should a generator be placed from the home? At least ...
A) 15 feet
B) 20 feet
C) 25 feet
B) at least 20 feet
What should you do first if you suspect carbon monoxide exposure?
A) Leave the area
B) Call 911
C) Call poison help hotline 1-800-222-1222
A) Leave the area
Always leave the area FIRST and remember to take any pets.
How is carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosed?
A) blood test
B) Chest x ray
C) Sputum test
A) Blood test
If there is suspicion of CO2 poisoning, a blood test will measure the amount of carbon monoxide in the blood.
How often should you replace the batteries in your CO2 detectors?
A) 2 times a year
B) Quarterly
C) When the alarm beeps
D) A and C
E) B and C
D) 2 times a year as well as when the alarm goes off
Replace the battery a minimum of twice a year. CO2 alarms typically beep 4 times for a true alert and a single chirp for low battery. Follow the manual instructions!
A) No, carbon monoxide is weightless so it just stays in one place then eventually dissipates.
B) Yes, wind can blow carbon monoxide back toward the house.
B) Yes, wind can blow CO2 inside.
It's important to keep the generator at least 20 feet from windows, vents, and doors.
How many Texans treated in the ER for carbon monoxide poisoning during the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl?
A) ~100
B) ~200
C) ~300
D) ~400
D) ~400
Roughly 400 Texans landed in emergency rooms for CO2 poisoning after Hurricane Beryl, marking the highest numbers since the 2021 winter storm.
How is carbon monoxide poisoning treated?
A) Blood transfusion
B) Oxygen therapy
C) Steroid inhalers
B) Oxygen therapy
Breathing in pure oxygen can bring the oxygen level in the blood back to normal. Depending on the severity, it might be oxygen through a mask or in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
What is the lifetime of a carbon monoxide detector?
A) 2-3 years
B) 3-5 years
C) 5-7 years
C) 5-7 years
CO2 alarms don't last forever. They have a lifetime of 5-7 years, but it's important to refer to your user manual.
How many deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning did Harris County have following Hurricane Beryl?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
B) 2
Unfortunately, 2 individuals in Harris County died due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a portable generator. The family had moved their generator onto the porch in anticipation of rains and did not have a CO2 detector.