Rising Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: The Deadly Aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Texas

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has reached alarming levels in Texas, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, marking a significant increase since the severe incidents caused by Winter Storm Uri in 2021.

According to the Texas Tribune, nearly 400 Texans were sent to the hospital and two died due to carbon monoxide poisoning since Hurricane Beryl made landfall in the Lone Star State.

How Does CO Poisoning Happen?

When the power grid goes down, that's when people bring out the generators to stay warm and brave the power outages. The down side of using these gasoline-powered machines is that they emit an odorless, colorless, gas called carbon monoxide that, if inhaled for a period of time, can cause detrimental effects on humans.

Symptoms from CO poisoning include the following:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Blurred vision

Unfortunately, Texas lacks statewide regulations mandating CO detectors in homes. So, this silent assassin has free reign in enclosed homes if a generator or car is left on in a garage or shed for extended periods of time.

CO Poisoning and Winter Storm Uri

Winter Storm Uri takes the number one spot for the most severe carbon monoxide poisoning in recent U.S. history. Over 1,400 people were checked into the hospital for CO poisoning when they had no way of keeping warm, so they would run their cars or generators in the garage to provide warmth.

This led to the Texas Department of State Health Services issuing an alert, just last year to Texans experiencing power outages, to be aware of CO dangers at home.

If you feel you are susceptible to CO poisoning, check your home for any potential sources and never leave your car running inside the enclosed garage.

Whether you are in Beryl's impact area or other parts of Texas, please invest in a CO detector. They are not expensive and could just save your life.