7 die from carbon monoxide poisoning in Macon since 2007. This appliance is to blame

It isn’t every day that Macon loses someone to carbon monoxide poisoning. In fact, in the last 15 years, Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones has only seen seven deaths caused by the toxic poison. Two of those deaths came last week in southeast Macon when a woman and her nephew were found by people working on their house, said Jones.

“Other than those deaths, there was one in 2014, one in 2010 and three in 2007,” Jones said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 430 people die each year in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency room because of accidental poisoning.

If you’re wondering what carbon monoxide poisoning is and how to prevent it, keep reading.

What is it?

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when someone inhales combustion fumes, such as burning gasoline, wood or other fuels. If too much is ingested, the body replaces oxygen in the red blood cells with carbon monoxide, ultimately causing extreme toxicity in the bloodstream.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause tissue damage and even death, in the most serious of cases.

What causes it?

Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when the buildup of carbon monoxide is released into the air, particularly into poorly ventilated areas or tightly enclosed spaces.

Carbon monoxide poisoning most often occurs in garages with cars running, while grilling in an enclosed area. However, carbon monoxide poisoning can also happen when there is too much smoke inhalation from a house or structure fire.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Dull headache

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Shortness of breath

• Confusion

• Blurred vision

• Loss of consciousness

If you or someone you know has carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, it is crucial to get fresh air immediately and call a doctor or ambulance.

How can it be prevented?

Jones said there is one common denominator in all Macon carbon monoxide poisoning deaths: a generator.

“Never bring a generator inside your home,” Jones said. “Just like the deaths last week, there is always a generator inside the home. If power is the issue, Georgia Power will work out a payment plan with you.”

Here are more simple prevention tips:

• Get a carbon monoxide detector. According to Consumer Reports, the best rated hardwired carbon monoxide detector is the First Alert 3120B and the best rated battery powered detector is the First Alert SA320CN.

• Open your garage door when running the car.

• Make sure your fireplace is in good working order and have repairs done when needed.

• Ensure space heaters, water heaters, grills, ranges and portable generators are properly vented at all times.

This story was originally published May 5, 2022 at 11:44 AM with the headline "7 die from carbon monoxide poisoning in Macon since 2007. This appliance is to blame."