Carbon Monoxide

CO is called the "Invisible Killer" because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Learn how to protect your family from this deadly gas.

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the "Invisible Killer" because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the Unites States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators. Other products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces.

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An Alarm Can Save Your Life

Working CO alarms matter. Install one and check its batteries regularly.

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Research & Statistics

JANUARY 07, 2016

Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Deaths Associated with the Use of Consumer Products 2012 Annual Estimates

OCTOBER 13, 2015

Incidents, Deaths, and In-Depth Investigations Associated with Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide from Engine-Driven Generators and Other Engine-Driven Tools, 2004–2014

JANUARY 08, 2015

Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Deaths Associated with the Use of Consumer Products 2011 Annual Estimates

The Safety Guides, Safety Alerts, and Neighborhood Safety Network posters listed below are available to download from CPSC’s website.

CPSC Safety Alerts and Neighborhood Safety Network posters are not available to order. If you would like to use these safety publications, they are free to download and print.

View all CPSC safety publications.

Safety Resources

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with Camping Equipment

Never use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas such as tents, campers and vehicles.

CPSC Warns of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard with Camping Equipment

Never use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas such as tents, campers, and other vehicles.

What to Know: Generators and CO

Using a generator indoors can kill you in minutes. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poison you cannot see or smell. Only use a generator outside, far away from windows, doors and vents.

The Invisible Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. Learn about the warning signs and how to prevent CO poisoning.

The Invisible Killer in Spanish

Responding to Residential Carbon Monoxide Incidents

Guidance for first responders about residential carbon monoxide incidents.

Portable Generators Pose a Serious Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Use portable generators outside only and far from your home. Never�operate them indoors or in the garage.

Carbon Monoxide Doorhanger

Protect yourself from carbon monoxide when using portable generators.� Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas and can kill you.�

Carbon Monoxide Doorhanger in Spanish

Portable Generator Hazards

Always use portable generators outside, far from the home. Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed, or near a window or exterior vent.

Portable Generator Hazards in Spanish

CPSC Warns of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard with Camping Equipment

Never use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas such as tents, campers and vehicles.

Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet

Protect your family from carbon monoxide dangers.

Is Your Home Protected?

Install and maintain CO alarms in your home to protect your family against the "invisible killer."�

Fast Facts about Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. Learn more in this easy-to-read safety alert.

Get to Know Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the "invisible killer." You cannot see or smell it, but a carbon monoxide alarm can detect CO. That is why it is so important to have CO alarms in your home.