As the days and nights get colder, leave your outdoor heaters and BBQs outside.

Outdoor heaters and BBQs make carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas you can't see, taste or smell.

When it's inside your home, carbon monoxide gas can kill without warning.

Never use BBQs or outdoor heaters inside.

They make carbon monoxide gas, which can kill without warning.

Protect yourself and your family this winter: leave BBQs and outdoor heaters outside.

Examples of outdoor cooking and heating devices that make carbon monoxide

  • Outdoor heaters and lanterns
  • Outdoor barbeques and charcoal beads
  • Fire pits.
A heat lamp
A small electric heater
A charcoal barbeque on a stand
A charcoal barbeque on the ground
Burning embers and ash

Symptoms

Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • headache
  • nausea and stomach pain
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • fainting
  • confusion
  • tiredness.

Extended exposure can cause:

  • loss of consciousness
  • seizure
  • permanent brain injury
  • death.

People at higher risk of CO poisoning include:

  • babies
  • pregnant women
  • elderly
  • those with chronic medical problems.

Suspected exposure

Symptoms of poisoning get worse with prolonged exposure.

For advice on any suspected or confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

In an emergency, dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance and seek medical help.

Remember, carbon monoxide is highly toxic. Do not to put yourself in danger when helping others. If someone has collapsed inside from carbon monoxide, go outside to call triple zero (000).


Current as at: Tuesday 2 August 2022
Contact page owner: Environmental Health