Norton Health addresses dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning during winter

BOWLING GREEN, Ky – Norton Health professionals are urging residents to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide during winter weather conditions.

Health experts say carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it is a colorless, odorless gas making it hard to detect.

Symptoms can start with headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath, and may progress to confusion, chest pain, and difficulty walking.

Health professionals also stress the importance of closely monitoring children.

“It’s important to keep an eye on your kiddos, especially if you have a you know a gas heat source going on in your house. Just pay attention to are they not acting right or are they having trouble waking up, not doing something that they normally would be doing,” said Naomi Warnick of Norton Emergency Medicine.

She added if exposed to a gas-type heater, this might be what’s going on with them. 

Common sources during winter storms include kerosene, propane, and gasoline-powered heaters or stoves used indoors.