November marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, a critical time to educate the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), a gas that poses a significant health risk. The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA) is raising awareness of this public health crisis, which accounts for over 100,000 emergency room visits, 14,000 hospitalizations, and more than 1,200 deaths annually in the United States.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- November marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, a critical time to educate the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), a gas that poses a significant health risk. The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA) is raising awareness of this public health crisis, which accounts for over 100,000 emergency room visits, 14,000 hospitalizations, and more than 1,200 deaths annually in the United States.
Because CO is colorless and odorless, it's often referred to as the silent killer. It can seep into homes and buildings undetected, coming from gas tools and appliances including faulty furnaces, water heaters, or even portable generators used during power outages. Unfortunately, the effects are swift and often deadly.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to the nonspecific nature of its symptoms, which can range from mild fatigue, dizziness, and headaches to severe effects like unconsciousness, long-term neurological disabilities, and even death. Vulnerable populations, including children, unborn babies, the elderly, individuals with heart disease, and small pets, face heightened risks from CO exposure.
The impact of carbon monoxide poisoning is disproportionately felt in marginalized communities, particularly those that are socially and economically disadvantaged. To combat this issue and promote a healthier, more equitable society, it is essential to prioritize prevention and education.
But these poisonings are preventable. National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA) is a non-partisan, grassroots, civic-minded organization focused on eradicating carbon monoxide poisoning and helping carbon monoxide poisoning survivors recover to lead a happy, healthy, and productive life.
In fact, NCOAA envisions a world without injury or fatalities due to carbon monoxide poisoning. In an effort to provide vital resources, the NCOAA is launching an online carbon monoxide safety toolkit. This comprehensive resource is designed for organizations and individuals to promote CO safety within their communities, helping to prevent tragic incidents and ensure that carbon monoxide poisoning does not continue to be a hidden danger. We will be spreading awareness on social media daily throughout the month of November, and will share information including carbon monoxide safety tips, sources of carbon monoxide, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, and what to do when you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety, to access the toolkit, visit .
As part of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, NCOAA is accepting donations to support our mission at ncoaa.us/donate. Thanks to the generosity of IPEX and DD Scientific, all donations made in November—up to a total of $5,000—will be matched by these sponsors.
"Understanding the risks associated with carbon monoxide and taking preventive measures can save lives," said Charon McNabb, Founder. "We encourage everyone to access our toolkit, consider donating, and share this critical information with their networks."
To make a donation, please go to .
CO Awareness Month is our moment to rally together, educate our communities, and take meaningful action against a preventable threat.
Media Contact
Kevin Singer, The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA), 248-408-8266, [email protected],
SOURCE The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA)
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