Stay Safe While Traveling: One Easy Tip to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Your Vacation
Carbon monoxide poisoning is an alarming risk that has recently captured public attention, particularly following a series of tragic incidents involving travelers. This odorless and colorless gas can escape from various appliances, including boilers, pool heaters, gas grills, and more, posing significant dangers, especially when staying in hotels. Unfortunately, many hotels lack mandatory carbon monoxide detectors, making it essential for travelers to prioritize safety by bringing their own carbon monoxide alarms.
Carbon monoxide poisoning incidents have risen to prominence recently. In particular, the heartbreaking case of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankees player Brett Gardner, who was found dead in his family’s Costa Rica hotel room on March 21 due to carbon monoxide inhalation, underscores the urgency of this issue.
This tragic occurrence is not isolated. In February, three American women died in their hotel room in Belize due to a carbon monoxide leak, and December saw twelve individuals succumb to the same fate after a gas leak while sleeping above a restaurant in Georgia. Such incidents highlight the pressing need for awareness and preparedness when it comes to traveling safety.
The United States currently lacks a comprehensive tracking system to monitor these tragic incidents across hotels and lodging facilities. An estimated study from 2021 suggests that there have been approximately 1,498 deaths and 38,657 injuries related to carbon monoxide poisoning in lodging properties over the past two decades.
With no existing regulations in the U.S. or internationally mandating carbon monoxide alarms in these facilities, travelers are urged to take action to safeguard themselves. Dr. Neil Hampson, a carbon monoxide researcher, emphasizes the importance of proactive measures: “Travel is a common source of carbon monoxide poisoning. The solution is to bring a carbon monoxide alarm with you.”
Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a gas generated from burning fuels like charcoal, gas, gasoline, oil, and wood. It is notoriously odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without specialized equipment.
When inhaled, carbon monoxide hampers the body’s ability to transport oxygen to vital organs, including the brain, heart, and lungs. Symptoms of poisoning can be misleading and may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Dr. Kathy LeSaint, an associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, explains how easily these symptoms can be confused with other illnesses, often leading individuals to misinterpret them as flu-like symptoms. Emergency teams may even overlook carbon monoxide poisoning due to its symptom similarity to other health issues.
Diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning usually involves using a CO-oximeter, which measures carboxyhemoglobin created when carbon monoxide binds to red blood cells. Treatment typically involves administering oxygen, sometimes using hyperbaric oxygen therapy, until symptoms fully resolve. If left unchecked, symptoms can escalate to severe health problems, including heart attacks, brain injury, and ultimately death.
How Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Occurs in Hotels
In lodging properties, the most prevalent sources of carbon monoxide poisoning stem from faulty water or pool heaters, or improperly installed boilers with broken ventilation systems. Dr. Lindell Weaver, medical director and division chief of hyperbaric medicine at LDS Hospital, warns that simply requesting a room away from heaters and boilers may not be sufficient.
As explained by Dr. Hampson, “When you check into a room, you don’t know what’s on the other side of the wall. Carbon monoxide can go right through drywall.” Potential sources of carbon monoxide exposure are not exclusive to vacation rentals but can include fireplaces, gas stoves, ovens, generators, and vehicles.
The Availability of Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Understanding the laws surrounding carbon monoxide detection devices can be more complicated than deciphering a traditional road map. The regulations governing these devices greatly vary. While some U.S. states do mandate that hotels install carbon monoxide detectors or alarms, many exemptions apply, often only affecting newer hotels or excluding certain room types.
Globally, the regulations regarding carbon monoxide alarms in lodging properties differ significantly. Although some countries, like the United Kingdom, have enforced such requirements, many do not. Popular vacation rental platforms, such as Airbnb and VRBO, provide a search function for properties equipped with carbon monoxide alarms, although users should remain cautious as the accuracy of this information isn’t always guaranteed.
As highlighted by Kris Hauschildt, founder of the Jenkins Foundation—dedicated to combatting carbon monoxide poisoning—these discrepancies are concerning. Hauschildt shared her personal experiences of arriving at bookings that advertised carbon monoxide alarms, only to find they were missing. This emphasizes the critical nature of self-advocacy when it comes to ensuring safety during travels.
Choosing the Right Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Given the inconsistent regulations, experts recommend that travelers include a carbon monoxide alarm in their packing list. Ideally, the best alarms for travel are “low-level” ones capable of detecting carbon monoxide at concentrations as low as 10 parts per million (ppm), providing earlier warnings than standard alarms compliant with government regulations.
According to Dr. Hampson’s 2022 paper, the alarms priced between $63 and $209 show comparable efficacy. Travelers can easily find effective alarms for approximately $20. Dr. LeSaint remarks, “A small price to pay for a potential lifesaver.”
In high-risk situations where elevated levels of carbon monoxide may cause sudden unconsciousness, it’s crucial for travelers not only to bring their alarm but also to respond promptly to any alerts. Dr. Weaver cautions, “The simple strategy is to carry your own alarm, and if it ever goes off, you better pay attention, inform management, and get out of that place.”
