• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Weather / Cold temps bring new CO warnings

Cold temps bring new CO warnings

January 21, 2011 By Jackie Johnson

The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning increases in the winter.

With temperatures down to 25 degrees below zero in some parts of Wisconsin and most of the state experiencing wind chills of near minus-30, health officials are reminding everyone about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

“Any source of an open flame or burning of energy source like natural gas or wood … part of the exhaust is CO and if it’s not exhausted properly it can build up really quite rapidly in a home.” Dr. Henry Anderson is Chief Medical Officer in the state Health Department.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be emitted from poorly functioning or unvented furnaces or other gas powered home appliances. Anderson says “The easiest way to protect yourself and your family is with a carbon monoxide detector.” And … “Of course when you get a lot of snow … you could end up with the exhaust plugged up under a snow pile.”

Earlier this week several people in Janesville were found to have high levels of CO exposure due to a malfunctioning furnace. Officials are warning people to take precautions.

Symptoms of CO poisoning are flu-like and include headache, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and mental confusion. High levels of exposure could be deadly. On February 1, a new law takes effect requiring carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in all one- and two-family dwellings.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:55

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Weather



Featured Stories

Future of abortion in Wisconsin hinges on SCOTUS ‘Roe’ decision

Juvenile arrested in connection with death of Lily Peters

Missing Chippewa Falls girl found dead, police seek suspect

Medical marijuana legislation gets public hearing at Capitol

Tommy Thompson announces he will not run for governor

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2022 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC