State health officials are urging people to be cautious when using electric generators and other heating sources that may generate carbon monoxide as millions of Texans look for ways to stay warm during the extreme cold as power outages continue.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas produced by burning gasoline, propane, wood, charcoal and other fuels. If it builds up in a confined space and is breathed in, it can replace oxygen in the blood, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning and possible death.
Matt Zavadsky, chief strategic integration officer at MedStar Mobile Healthcare in North Texas, said crews have treated 11 patients for carbon monoxide poisoning since Feb. 15. Nine cases were serious enough to require the patients be transported to area hospitals, he said.
“A carbon monoxide poisoning call is typically very rare, so this is very, very high,” Zavadsky said.
