December 8, 2005 — As cold weather sets in across the state, the Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) urges the public to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) exposure by taking precautions with gas-powered appliances and charcoal or gas grills.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO can cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.

MDH recommends the following precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace.
• Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers indoors or in the garage.
• If you suspect that you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside.
• In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 9-1-1 or the Mississippi Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

For more information on carbon monoxide dangers, the public can call the Mississippi Department of Health at 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948).

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Press Contact: Liz Sharlot or Kelly Shannon, (601) 576-7667