Published in February 2019
The Colorado Parks & Wildlife Division’s Boating Safety Unit produces a brochure about carbon monoxide poisoning, letting people know that:
- Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas that is produced any time a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal or oil burns. On boats, it can come from gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters.
- Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless and mixes evenly with the air. It enters the bloodstream through the lungs and displaces the oxygen your body needs.
- Early signs of carbon monoxide position include headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very short exposure to high concentrations can lead to death.