Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Louisiana - Common Sources and Prevention Strategies

Carbon monoxide (CO) poses a particular risk to many homeowners because it is a gas without color, odor, or taste that requires early detection for the affected individuals to get to safety. If detected too late, a person could experience significant injury or death. CO is the result of fuel being burned, typically in engines, open flames, or furnaces.

Louisiana residents are a particularly at-risk population for CO poisoning—severe weather in the state often leaves residents without power for extended periods of time, forcing them to turn to generators or other sources of power and warmth. The CO that builds up in these residences then can cause permanent harm to the people inside if they are not aware.

Though CO poisoning is entirely preventable, over 400 people die each year from prolonged exposure to this harmful gas. If you believe a landlord or property owner is at fault for your CO-related injury or illness, you should contact the top Louisiana attorneys at Carabin Shaw. We proudly offer free case reviews and initial consultations so you can be sure we’re the right team for your case.

It’s safe to assume that if you’re near something that burns fuel, then you’re near carbon monoxide. This only becomes a safety issue when the engine or room is not ventilated or does not have a CO detector there to alert people. Here are some common sources of CO at home and in the workplace:

• Open fires and flames
• Gas stoves/ovens
• Camp stoves
• Charcoal grills
• Furnaces
• Car engines
• Gas-powered generators and engines

The best prevention for carbon monoxide poisoning at home is a well-placed detector on each floor of your house, including the basement. The EPA recommends that these be placed near any bedrooms and above any attached garages. Because CO often comes from appliances, it rises with warm air and detectors are best positioned to detect the gas the higher they are placed on the wall. You should also have the appliances in your home regularly serviced to ensure they’re venting gas effectively.

The most common sources of CO in many workplaces are in gas-powered engines. These can power many different kinds of equipment, so it is important for business owners to understand how each works and ensure that not only the equipment is maintained properly, but that the workplace is properly ventilated. The CDC declares that gas powered engines should never be operated less than 20 feet away from a door or window.

If you were harmed by carbon monoxide at work, a Louisiana carbon monoxide attorney could help you make a case against your employer or an equipment manufacturer. Our lawyers have decades of experience helping Louisiana CO victims get the compensation they deserve. Carabin Shaw’s client reviews speak to this success; we recommend that you read a few to learn more about what we can do for you.

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as symptoms of CO poisoning or exposure:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Loss of muscle control
• Loss of consciousness

If you believe you, a family member, or coworker has been exposed to carbon monoxide, then it’s important to get to fresh air immediately. Prolonged exposure only worsens the long-term harm it can cause. You should then go to an emergency room as soon as possible to begin treatment.

When you’re ready to learn how an attorney can help you make a case for a recent carbon monoxide poisoning, call us toll-free at 800-862-1260. English- and Spanish-speaking representatives are available 24-7 to answer your questions.