Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer.” This toxic gas is completely odorless, colorless, and tasteless. That means you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. However, it can harm or even kill you in a matter of hours if it builds up indoors.

Whether a home, apartment complex, hotel, or commercial building, preventing carbon monoxide exposure is about safety and staying legally compliant. If someone is hurt because a property was not properly maintained, the owner could be held liable in a premises liability lawsuit. Let’s look at the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning so you can stay safe and take action in the event of a mishap.

What Causes Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel burns incompletely. What does that mean? Everyday items like furnaces, gas water heaters, stoves, fireplaces, or cars running in attached garages can produce it.

In most cases, these systems vent CO safely outside. But the gas can build up indoors if something is broken, blocked, or poorly maintained. Here are some common culprits:

• Malfunctioning furnaces or water heaters
• Poorly vented gas stoves or fireplaces
• Generators or grills used indoors
• Vehicles left running in attached garages
• Blocked chimneys or flues

In many situations, a lack of maintenance or a missing carbon monoxide detector is all it takes to put someone’s life at risk.

The Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 400 people die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

Carbon monoxide poisoning does not hit all at once. It creeps in slowly. You may think you have something else, like a common cold, the flu, or fatigue. That is why it is so dangerous. People often brush it off or go to sleep, thinking they just need rest. When in reality, they are slowly being poisoned.

Here are the symptoms you need to know:

• Dull, persistent headache: This is one of the first and most common symptoms. It may feel like pressure around the forehead or temples that will not go away.
• Fatigue or weakness: People often describe feeling “off” or more tired than usual, even after a good night’s sleep.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Some say it feels like standing up too fast or the room spinning slightly.
• Nausea or vomiting: These flu-like symptoms can be easily overlooked, especially during cold and flu season.
• Shortness of breath: You might feel winded after tasks like walking upstairs or doing household chores.
• Irritability or confusion: You may feel foggy or unusually forgetful. Children may become unusually cranky or sluggish.

These symptoms may come and go depending on your exposure level and location. For example, if you feel worse at home but better when you leave, that is a red flag. It could mean there’s carbon monoxide building up inside your living space.

Some advanced or prolonged exposure symptoms include:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Blurred vision
• Disorientation or confusion
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Collapse or unconsciousness
• Seizures or death

Children, elderly individuals, and pets show signs first. If your child complains of a headache or your dog seems unusually lethargic, take it seriously.

What Does This Have to Do with Premises Liability?

Whether landlords, hotel managers, or business operators, property owners have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for the people who live, work, or visit their premises. That includes taking steps to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.

Legal accountability comes into play in several ways:

• If a landlord fails to install working carbon monoxide detectors in a rental unit, they may be liable.
• If a hotel does not maintain its heating systems or ignores complaints about strange odors or headaches, it could face a lawsuit.
• If a business leaves a generator running in an enclosed space, it could be held responsible for any resulting injuries or illnesses.

Premises liability law protects people from preventable harm. When property owners cut corners or ignore basic safety protocols, and someone suffers as a result, the law allows victims to seek compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

You Have Options

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent danger, but the signs are there. Unfortunately, many victims do not realize what is happening until it’s too late.

If you have been injured on a property with poorly maintained heating systems or you have lost someone to carbon monoxide poisoning, you have legal options. At GDH Law, we are here to help you explore those next steps.