Health officials stress the importance of recognizing symptoms and adopting prevention measures

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) is alerting the public to an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning cases as temperatures decline, and snowfall in northern and central mountains is occurring. Hospital emergency departments have observed a rise in carbon monoxide-related visits since fall 2023, demanding urgent attention and heightened awareness. 

The DOH’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Program reveals that 89 statewide emergency department visits for carbon monoxide poisonings were reported from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program from Oct. 1, 2023, to date. Additionally, within the same period, there was one fatality of a male in his 50s from Chaves County. 

“Carbon monoxide is a hidden danger,” said Patrick Allen, secretary for DOH. “Don’t let lack of awareness lead to tragedy.” 

Between 2017 and 2021, there were 73 carbon monoxide related deaths in New Mexico. 

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that a person cannot see, smell, or taste. It is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by gas heaters, small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges or by burning charcoal and wood.   

At-risk populations, including infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory illness, and those working with or around combustion engines, face elevated dangers. Recognizing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and an altered mental status is crucial. Immediate medical attention is imperative, as survivors may develop long-term neurological problems.   

DOH emphasizes preventative measures to curb carbon monoxide exposure:

Annual servicing of heating systems, water heaters, and gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances by qualified technicians. 

Installation of CO detectors in homes, businesses, RVs, cabins, or barns, with bi-annual battery replacements. 

Strict avoidance of using generators, charcoal grills, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning devices indoors or near open windows. 

Never running automobiles inside attached garages, even with doors open. 

Avoiding heating homes with gas ovens and running gasoline-powered engines at least 20 feet from windows, doors, or vents.

For additional guidance, visit the NMDOH Environmental Public Health Tracking Program page on carbon monoxide poisoning, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s page for additional prevention tips or contact the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a notifiable condition in the state of New Mexico. Hospitals, clinics, practitioners, and first responders should immediately report any suspected carbon monoxide poisoning by calling the DOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773.