A new use for portable generators has emerged: keeping video games and televisions going during power outages. Shortly after a hurricane in Texas, 75 percent of children treated for carbon monoxide poisoning had been playing video games powered by portable generators. Several of these children were critically ill, needing treatment in a hyperbaric chamber to treat their poisoning.
 
Carbon monoxide does not respect weather conditions, age, or anything else. If you burn something that uses fuel, carbon monoxide gas will be released. If a portable generator is set up indoors, outdoors under a window, in an attached garage, or in an enclosed space, anyone around will breathe in carbon monoxide.

 

Carbon monoxide takes the place of oxygen in our blood stream. It circulates to the brain, heart, and every other organ with every heart beat. At low levels, carbon monoxide poisoning causes headache, drowsiness, and flu-like symptoms, but without a fever. At higher levels, symptoms may include chest pain, seizures, coma, and death.
 
Any time a portable generator is used, it MUST be used outdoors, in a well ventilated area, away from windows and doors into the home. A battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm will function during a power outage; there should be one outside every sleeping area in the home.
 
Carbon monoxide poisoning from generators is such a health threat that federal legislation has been introduced. It would require that portable generators include clear information about safe use, so that carbon monoxide poisonings can be reduced. This same legislation would also require carbon monoxide alarms in homes and other buildings where people sleep. As of this writing, HR 1796 is in the US House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.
 
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately go outside. Then, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for treatment advice. If someone is not breathing, won't wake up, or is having seizures, call 911 immediately.