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Carbon monoxide poisoning cases are on the rise in NM. Here's what health officials want you to know.
Carbon monoxide poisoning cases are increasing as temperatures decline and snow falls in the northern and central mountains, health officials say.
The National Syndromic Surveillance Program reported 89 emergency department visits for carbon monoxide poisonings, one resulting in death, since October 2023.
The man who died was in his 50s and lived in Chaves County. There have been 73 carbon monoxide related deaths in New Mexico between 2017 and 2021, a news release said.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. It comes from combustion fumes, like those generated by gas heaters, small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, gas ranges or by burning charcoal and wood.
Those most at risk include infants, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with heart disease, anemia, respiratory illnesses those who work with or around combustion engines.
Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and an altered mental status.
The New Mexico Department of Health has shared a list of preventative measures:
Have heating systems, water heaters, and gas, oil or coal-burning appliances serviced by qualified technicians annually.
Install CO detectors in homes, businesses, RVs, cabins or barns, with bi-annual battery replacements.
Do not use generators, charcoal grills, camp stoves or other fuel-burning devices indoors or near open windows.
Do not run automobiles inside attached garages, even with doors open.
Avoiding heating homes with gas ovens and run gasoline-powered engines at least 20 feet from windows, doors, or vents.
