What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can mimic symptoms of the flu or stomach bug.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

Dull Headache

Weakness

Dizziness

Nausea or vomiting

Shortness of breath

Confusion

Blurred vision

Loss of consciousness

What Leak Can Create a The Silent Killer in an RV, Carbon Monoxide Posioning?

Anything that burns propane can create carbon monoxide poisoning. All appliances that run on propane, such as a stove, oven, furnace, propane refrigerators, water heaters, and portable heaters. A dryer not being vented properly in an RV can absolutely cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide can leak from an exhaust system in an RV such as generator exhaust system and motor home exhaust. Burning gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal, or other fuel can also produce the carbon monoxide gas.

Outside Factors Cause The Silent Killer in an RV, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Inside Your RV

YES! Carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t always caused by something being wrong inside your own RV. If you are parked next to someone who is running a generator, the fumes from an exhaust pipe can spread into your RV.

What Does a Carbon Monoxide Detector Do?

A Carbon monoxide detector protects your family from the deadly effects of carbon monoxide poisoning by alarming a clear, loud alarm when the electrochemical sensor detects a high concentration of CO within the area.

5 Things to do if your Carbon Monoxide Detector alarms:

1. Do NOTignore an alarming (beeping) Carbon Monoxide Detector!
2. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, call 9-1-1 immediately AFTER getting outside!
3. If you are NOT experiencing any of the symptoms above, proceed to open all windows to allow ventilation. Next, turn off all appliances that run off propane in your RV. Spend some time outside of the RV to allow it to clear out. After waiting awhile, reset the Carbon Monoxide Detector.
4. If it alarms again, call the Fire Department or 9-1-1. Do NOT go back inside the RV until it has been cleared by EMS!
5. If it doesn’t alarm again, call a certified RV Technician to inspect it and have it repaired or replaced if needed.

Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Expire?

YES! Most of the sensors in a Carbon Monoxide Detector have expiration dates and will go bad after some time. You MUST check these every few months.

8 Ways to Avoid The Silent Killer in an RV, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

1. Check to see if you have a Carbon Monoxide Detector in your RV, if you don’t purchase one NOW! (see examples above) Note: the 2nd one on the list above is a plug-in type-SUPER EASY!
2. Make sure there is a battery backup on your RV Carbon Monoxide Detector!
3. Ensure that your RV is sealed properly
4. Test your Carbon Monoxide Detector(s) are working properly before every camping trip
5. Test your Carbon Monoxide Detector(s) at the beginning of the camping season
6. Change out the batteries just like you would do with a smoke detector
7. NEVER IGNORE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR ALARMING BY ASSUMING IT IS FAULTY!!!
8. If you believe that your Carbon Monoxide Detector has a bad sensor, have it inspected by an RV Technician!