Burning Charcoal in Homes, Vehicles, and Tents Causes 25 Deaths from Carbon Monoxide Each Year

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Burning Charcoal in Homes, Vehicles, and Tents Causes 25 Deaths from Carbon Monoxide Each Year

CPSC Document #5012

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers - including hunters and campers - never to burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, or tents. Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide has no odor, cannot be seen, and can kill you. Consumers may not realize that burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide and that it will build up to a dangerous level. Opening a window or using a fan will not assure that carbon monoxide will be reduced to safe levels.

Each year, approximately 25 people die and hundreds more suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning when they burn charcoal in enclosed areas such as their homes, in campers or vans, or in tents. Some of the victims die from carbon monoxide poisoning after they burn charcoal in a bedroom or living room for heat or cooking. Some are campers who burn charcoal inside a tent or camper to keep warm. Others are hunters who burn charcoal inside their trucks, cars, or vans. Those who do not die can suffer headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, disorientation, or collapse.

CPSC warns consumers: Never use charcoal to cook or provide heat inside enclosed areas such as tents, campers, vans, cars, trucks, homes, garages, or mobile homes because the carbon monoxide can kill you.

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