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What airborne poisons
do I need to know about?
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
is a gas that you can’t see or smell. It is produced when
any kind of fuel is burned. Symptoms of moderate CO poisoning
are: headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and faintness. CO
can kill you. If you suspect CO in your house may be making
you sick, get fresh air right away, and go immediately to the
emergency room and get your blood tested—this can confirm that
you have CO in your house. Prevent CO poisoning by having
your fuel-burning appliances like heaters checked by a trained
professional every fall.
- Radon is another colorless,
odorless gas. It can seep into your home from the ground,
and it increases risks of lung cancer. Testing for radon
is easy and inexpensive. Call your local health department
for more information.
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More on Indoor Air Quality can
be found in this guide from the EPA. It includes information
on biological contaminants, stoves, heaters, fireplaces, and
chimneys, household products, formaldehyde, pesticides, asbestos,
carpets, new homes, and sick building syndrome.
- Environmental
tobacco smoke is also dangerous to
your child. Don’t smoke during pregnancy or around your
child.
Still have questions about this topic? Go to
our survey to ask your questions, and we’ll try
to answer them on an upcoming
YourChild podcast.
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Compiled by Kyla Boyse, R.N. Reviewed by faculty and staff at the University of Michigan
Updated November 2006
U-M Health System Related Sites
U-M Pediatrics
Our editorial policy
The information and links we provide are reviewed by University of Michigan developmental and behavioral pediatricians and child psychologists who are experts in child behavioral health. In choosing the links we provide, we use strict criteria to ensure that the information is accurate, and the source is reputable. As much as possible, we focus on information that is based on research. In areas where there is inadequate research, we include information compatible with prevailing expert opinion.
This website is updated regularly, but because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, we cannot be responsible for misinformation that may be accessed through the links provided. As always, this website is not a tool for self-diagnosis, and is not a substitute for professional care.
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