Every year in France, approximately 3,000 people are accidentally poisoned by carbon monoxide, and about 100 people die from it. Invisible, odorless, and non-irritating, carbon monoxide is undetectable.

There are many sources of poisoning:

• ducted appliances (boilers, water heaters, fireplaces), especially if they are poorly maintained;

• portable devices if used improperly (space heaters, fire pits, generators, water pumps, barbecues);

• appliances that use fuels (natural gas, wood, coal, fuel oil, butane, propane, gasoline, kerosene).

To minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, follow these safety guidelines

In your home

• At least once a year, before winter and absolutely before restarting them, have a qualified professional systematically inspect and maintain heating systems (such as boilers) and hot water systems, as well as flue ducts (mechanical chimney sweeping), in your primary and secondary residences, if applicable.

• Ventilate your home for at least 10 minutes a day, even if it’s cold.

• Keep your ventilation systems in good working order and never block air inlets or outlets.

For portable appliances

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using combustion appliances: use only the recommended fuel, and never run space heaters continuously.

• Cooking appliances must never be used for heating.

• Generators, portable heaters, and barbecues must never be used in enclosed spaces (homes, garages, basements, etc.) or outdoors near doors, windows, or ventilation openings of homes.

• In the event of extreme weather conditions (floods, storms), sump pumps, water pumps with internal combustion engines, and generators must never be used indoors.

Recognize the symptoms

In the presence of combustion appliances and if the following symptoms appear—headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness—which may develop more or less quickly and are even more concerning if they affect several people within the same household, you must act quickly before loss of consciousness (coma) occurs:

• Ventilate the area immediately.

• If possible, turn off combustion appliances.

• Evacuate the premises.

• And call emergency services by dialing 15, 18, or 112 (and 114 for the hearing impaired) or a poison control center (24/7 emergency number: 01 45 42 59 59).

The person’s condition may require hospitalization.

A brochure to inform you about protective measures

The brochure “Protecting Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning” explains the dangers of this gas, the appliances and systems that can emit CO, and provides helpful tips to prevent poisoning.

Learn more

• Ministry of Health and Access to Healthcare

• Public Health France Information Resources