GITNUXREPORT 2026

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Statistics

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer causing thousands of deaths globally each year.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 27, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

In the United States, there are approximately 400 accidental non-fire-related deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning annually.

Statistic 2

Globally, carbon monoxide poisoning affects an estimated 10,000 people per year with severe outcomes.

Statistic 3

In the UK, there are around 50 deaths and 4,000 hospital admissions due to CO poisoning each year.

Statistic 4

Emergency departments in the US see about 20,000 cases of CO poisoning yearly.

Statistic 5

In Europe, CO poisoning incidence is estimated at 10-40 cases per 100,000 population annually.

Statistic 6

South Korea reports over 1,000 CO poisoning cases per year, with a high rate of intentional exposures.

Statistic 7

In Australia, there are approximately 500 CO-related emergency visits annually.

Statistic 8

Canada records about 50 CO deaths and 2,000 hospital cases yearly.

Statistic 9

In India, CO poisoning from biomass fuel affects millions, with 10,000+ hospital admissions yearly.

Statistic 10

Japan sees around 500 suicides by CO annually from car exhaust.

Statistic 11

In the US, children under 5 represent 12% of CO poisoning ED visits.

Statistic 12

Elderly over 65 account for 36% of non-fire CO deaths in the US.

Statistic 13

Peak CO poisoning incidents occur in winter months, with 50% of US cases January-March.

Statistic 14

In China, urban CO poisoning rates are 2.5 per 100,000 population.

Statistic 15

Brazil reports 1,200 CO poisoning cases annually, mostly from charcoal use.

Statistic 16

In the US, firefighters respond to 70,000 CO alarms yearly, 40% false.

Statistic 17

Globally, 30% of CO poisonings are occupational.

Statistic 18

In France, 1,000-2,000 severe CO intoxications occur yearly.

Statistic 19

US military reports 200+ CO exposures annually in training.

Statistic 20

In Russia, CO poisoning peaks at 5,000 cases during cold seasons.

Statistic 21

US annual non-fire CO deaths average 430 from 2004-2019.

Statistic 22

Case fatality rate for unintentional CO poisoning is 1-2% in hospitalized patients.

Statistic 23

In the US, 70% of CO deaths occur in residences.

Statistic 24

Globally, CO causes 10,000-20,000 deaths yearly from incomplete combustion.

Statistic 25

Suicide by CO accounts for 15% of poisoning deaths in the US.

Statistic 26

In England, CO fatalities dropped 70% from 1995-2012 due to regulations.

Statistic 27

Children have a 10-fold higher mortality risk from CO per exposure level.

Statistic 28

In the US, generator-related CO deaths spiked 600% post-hurricanes.

Statistic 29

Overall US CO death rate is 0.13 per 100,000 population.

Statistic 30

In Korea, intentional CO poisoning fatality rate is 30%.

Statistic 31

US garage CO deaths: 20% of non-fire total.

Statistic 32

Pregnant women exposed to CO have 3x miscarriage risk leading to fetal death.

Statistic 33

Post-WWII, boat CO deaths in US average 150/year.

Statistic 34

In the EU, CO mortality rate declined 50% since 2000.

Statistic 35

US firefighters: 50 CO-related deaths since 2000.

Statistic 36

Global CO-attributable deaths: 50,000 from household air pollution.

Statistic 37

In California, CO death rate 0.1 per 100,000, lower than national.

Statistic 38

Intentional CO deaths increased 11% in US 2011-2020.

Statistic 39

Survivors of severe CO poisoning have 20% one-year mortality.

Statistic 40

CO detectors installed in only 40% US homes.

Statistic 41

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy halves neurological sequelae in severe cases.

Statistic 42

CO alarms reduce US deaths by 50% in equipped homes.

Statistic 43

Annual chimney inspections prevent 70% of heating-related poisonings.

Statistic 44

100% oxygen therapy reduces half-life of COHb from 4 to 1 hour.

Statistic 45

Mandatory CO detectors in UK halved deaths since 2001.

Statistic 46

Generator placement 20ft from home cuts risk 90%.

Statistic 47

Professional installation of vents prevents 80% appliance failures.

Statistic 48

Blood COHb >25% indicates need for HBO in 90% guidelines.

Statistic 49

Education campaigns reduce ED visits by 25% in targeted areas.

Statistic 50

Pulse CO-oximeters detect 95% of symptomatic cases accurately.

Statistic 51

Annual fuel-burning appliance service needed for 95% safety.

Statistic 52

Normobaric oxygen resolves symptoms in 80% mild cases within 4 hours.

Statistic 53

Laws mandating CO detectors in rentals cut incidents 40%.

Statistic 54

Early evacuation and fresh air exposure saves 98% mild victims.

Statistic 55

Methylene blue ineffective; only supportive care for most.

Statistic 56

Workplace CO monitors required; reduce incidents 75%.

Statistic 57

Post-exposure neuropsychological testing improves outcomes 30%.

Statistic 58

Battery replacement in detectors every 6 months prevents 60% failures.

Statistic 59

Public awareness training reduces intentional exposures by 20%.

Statistic 60

Residential heating systems cause 30% of CO poisonings.

Statistic 61

Generators account for 20% of US CO deaths post-disasters.

Statistic 62

Vehicle exhaust in attached garages causes 25% of fatal cases.

Statistic 63

Faulty water heaters implicated in 15% of incidents.

Statistic 64

Charcoal grills indoors lead to 10% of non-fire deaths.

Statistic 65

Wood stoves malfunction in 12% of winter poisonings.

Statistic 66

Migrant farmworkers face 40% higher CO risk from heaters.

Statistic 67

Boats with poor ventilation cause 150 US deaths/decade.

Statistic 68

Industrial processes contribute 5% of civilian exposures.

Statistic 69

Hookah lounges expose users to CO levels 10x OSHA limit.

Statistic 70

Biomass cooking fuels cause 90% of CO in developing countries.

Statistic 71

Paint strippers with methylene chloride produce lethal CO.

Statistic 72

Fireplaces without dampers risk 8% of home incidents.

Statistic 73

Propane heaters unvented cause 18% portable fuel deaths.

Statistic 74

Welding fumes expose 2 million US workers to CO daily.

Statistic 75

Laundry dryers vented improperly in 3% cases.

Statistic 76

85% of CO deaths from known faulty appliances.

Statistic 77

Headache is the most common symptom, reported in 90% of mild CO poisoning cases.

Statistic 78

At 100 ppm COHb, neurological symptoms appear in 50% of exposed individuals.

Statistic 79

Cherry-red skin occurs in only 2-3% of severe CO poisoning cases.

Statistic 80

30% of CO victims experience long-term cognitive deficits.

Statistic 81

Dizziness reported in 70% of symptomatic CO exposures.

Statistic 82

Myocardial ischemia risk increases 2-3 fold at COHb >10%.

Statistic 83

Nausea and vomiting in 50% of moderate CO poisoning.

Statistic 84

40% of pregnant women with CO exposure have fetal distress symptoms.

Statistic 85

Fatigue/weakness in 60% of all reported CO cases.

Statistic 86

At 400 ppm, headache and nausea within 1-2 hours in 100% exposed.

Statistic 87

Parkinsonism develops in 1% of severe CO survivors.

Statistic 88

Children show irritability and ataxia at lower CO levels than adults.

Statistic 89

25% of mild cases have confusion mimicking stroke.

Statistic 90

Hyperbaric oxygen reduces symptoms in 50% of moderate cases.

Statistic 91

Visual disturbances in 20% of CO poisonings.

Statistic 92

Chest pain in 15% due to CO-induced angina.

Statistic 93

Seizures occur in 5-10% of severe pediatric cases.

Statistic 94

Memory loss persists in 15% of hospitalized patients at 6 months.

1/94

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

While a single, silent, and odorless gas claims hundreds of lives in homes each year, the global statistics on carbon monoxide poisoning reveal a pervasive and preventable public health crisis that spans from faulty heaters to everyday appliances.

Key Takeaways

In the United States, there are approximately 400 accidental non-fire-related deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning annually.
Globally, carbon monoxide poisoning affects an estimated 10,000 people per year with severe outcomes.
In the UK, there are around 50 deaths and 4,000 hospital admissions due to CO poisoning each year.
US annual non-fire CO deaths average 430 from 2004-2019.
Case fatality rate for unintentional CO poisoning is 1-2% in hospitalized patients.
In the US, 70% of CO deaths occur in residences.
Headache is the most common symptom, reported in 90% of mild CO poisoning cases.
At 100 ppm COHb, neurological symptoms appear in 50% of exposed individuals.
Cherry-red skin occurs in only 2-3% of severe CO poisoning cases.
Residential heating systems cause 30% of CO poisonings.
Generators account for 20% of US CO deaths post-disasters.
Vehicle exhaust in attached garages causes 25% of fatal cases.
CO detectors installed in only 40% US homes.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy halves neurological sequelae in severe cases.
CO alarms reduce US deaths by 50% in equipped homes.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer causing thousands of deaths globally each year.

Incidence and Prevalence

In the United States, there are approximately 400 accidental non-fire-related deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning annually.
Globally, carbon monoxide poisoning affects an estimated 10,000 people per year with severe outcomes.
In the UK, there are around 50 deaths and 4,000 hospital admissions due to CO poisoning each year.
Emergency departments in the US see about 20,000 cases of CO poisoning yearly.
In Europe, CO poisoning incidence is estimated at 10-40 cases per 100,000 population annually.
South Korea reports over 1,000 CO poisoning cases per year, with a high rate of intentional exposures.
In Australia, there are approximately 500 CO-related emergency visits annually.
Canada records about 50 CO deaths and 2,000 hospital cases yearly.
In India, CO poisoning from biomass fuel affects millions, with 10,000+ hospital admissions yearly.
Japan sees around 500 suicides by CO annually from car exhaust.
In the US, children under 5 represent 12% of CO poisoning ED visits.
Elderly over 65 account for 36% of non-fire CO deaths in the US.
Peak CO poisoning incidents occur in winter months, with 50% of US cases January-March.
In China, urban CO poisoning rates are 2.5 per 100,000 population.
Brazil reports 1,200 CO poisoning cases annually, mostly from charcoal use.
In the US, firefighters respond to 70,000 CO alarms yearly, 40% false.
Globally, 30% of CO poisonings are occupational.
In France, 1,000-2,000 severe CO intoxications occur yearly.
US military reports 200+ CO exposures annually in training.
In Russia, CO poisoning peaks at 5,000 cases during cold seasons.

Incidence and Prevalence Interpretation

These numbers paint a grimly repetitive picture: whether by accident in a winter home, the desperate act in a parked car, or the silent peril of a charcoal burner, carbon monoxide proves itself a universal, class-blind killer that respects no border but consistently preys on the vulnerable.

Mortality and Fatality Rates

US annual non-fire CO deaths average 430 from 2004-2019.
Case fatality rate for unintentional CO poisoning is 1-2% in hospitalized patients.
In the US, 70% of CO deaths occur in residences.
Globally, CO causes 10,000-20,000 deaths yearly from incomplete combustion.
Suicide by CO accounts for 15% of poisoning deaths in the US.
In England, CO fatalities dropped 70% from 1995-2012 due to regulations.
Children have a 10-fold higher mortality risk from CO per exposure level.
In the US, generator-related CO deaths spiked 600% post-hurricanes.
Overall US CO death rate is 0.13 per 100,000 population.
In Korea, intentional CO poisoning fatality rate is 30%.
US garage CO deaths: 20% of non-fire total.
Pregnant women exposed to CO have 3x miscarriage risk leading to fetal death.
Post-WWII, boat CO deaths in US average 150/year.
In the EU, CO mortality rate declined 50% since 2000.
US firefighters: 50 CO-related deaths since 2000.
Global CO-attributable deaths: 50,000 from household air pollution.
In California, CO death rate 0.1 per 100,000, lower than national.
Intentional CO deaths increased 11% in US 2011-2020.
Survivors of severe CO poisoning have 20% one-year mortality.

Mortality and Fatality Rates Interpretation

Our homes harbor the deadliest kind of guest, an invisible one named carbon monoxide, which annually claims a few hundred American lives quietly in their sleep while making pregnancy more perilous and surviving its attack a coin toss, proving that simple awareness and regulation are powerful antidotes to this silent, global killer.

Prevention, Detection, and Treatment

CO detectors installed in only 40% US homes.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy halves neurological sequelae in severe cases.
CO alarms reduce US deaths by 50% in equipped homes.
Annual chimney inspections prevent 70% of heating-related poisonings.
100% oxygen therapy reduces half-life of COHb from 4 to 1 hour.
Mandatory CO detectors in UK halved deaths since 2001.
Generator placement 20ft from home cuts risk 90%.
Professional installation of vents prevents 80% appliance failures.
Blood COHb >25% indicates need for HBO in 90% guidelines.
Education campaigns reduce ED visits by 25% in targeted areas.
Pulse CO-oximeters detect 95% of symptomatic cases accurately.
Annual fuel-burning appliance service needed for 95% safety.
Normobaric oxygen resolves symptoms in 80% mild cases within 4 hours.
Laws mandating CO detectors in rentals cut incidents 40%.
Early evacuation and fresh air exposure saves 98% mild victims.
Methylene blue ineffective; only supportive care for most.
Workplace CO monitors required; reduce incidents 75%.
Post-exposure neuropsychological testing improves outcomes 30%.
Battery replacement in detectors every 6 months prevents 60% failures.
Public awareness training reduces intentional exposures by 20%.

Prevention, Detection, and Treatment Interpretation

We have a tragic arsenal of proven, life-saving defenses against carbon monoxide, yet we treat them like optional accessories rather than the essential guardians they are.

Sources and Exposure Risks

Residential heating systems cause 30% of CO poisonings.
Generators account for 20% of US CO deaths post-disasters.
Vehicle exhaust in attached garages causes 25% of fatal cases.
Faulty water heaters implicated in 15% of incidents.
Charcoal grills indoors lead to 10% of non-fire deaths.
Wood stoves malfunction in 12% of winter poisonings.
Migrant farmworkers face 40% higher CO risk from heaters.
Boats with poor ventilation cause 150 US deaths/decade.
Industrial processes contribute 5% of civilian exposures.
Hookah lounges expose users to CO levels 10x OSHA limit.
Biomass cooking fuels cause 90% of CO in developing countries.
Paint strippers with methylene chloride produce lethal CO.
Fireplaces without dampers risk 8% of home incidents.
Propane heaters unvented cause 18% portable fuel deaths.
Welding fumes expose 2 million US workers to CO daily.
Laundry dryers vented improperly in 3% cases.
85% of CO deaths from known faulty appliances.

Sources and Exposure Risks Interpretation

When you combine human ingenuity with an almost comical disregard for venting, you create a predictable recipe for an invisible killer, as these statistics grimly illustrate.

Symptoms and Clinical Effects

Headache is the most common symptom, reported in 90% of mild CO poisoning cases.
At 100 ppm COHb, neurological symptoms appear in 50% of exposed individuals.
Cherry-red skin occurs in only 2-3% of severe CO poisoning cases.
30% of CO victims experience long-term cognitive deficits.
Dizziness reported in 70% of symptomatic CO exposures.
Myocardial ischemia risk increases 2-3 fold at COHb >10%.
Nausea and vomiting in 50% of moderate CO poisoning.
40% of pregnant women with CO exposure have fetal distress symptoms.
Fatigue/weakness in 60% of all reported CO cases.
At 400 ppm, headache and nausea within 1-2 hours in 100% exposed.
Parkinsonism develops in 1% of severe CO survivors.
Children show irritability and ataxia at lower CO levels than adults.
25% of mild cases have confusion mimicking stroke.
Hyperbaric oxygen reduces symptoms in 50% of moderate cases.
Visual disturbances in 20% of CO poisonings.
Chest pain in 15% due to CO-induced angina.
Seizures occur in 5-10% of severe pediatric cases.
Memory loss persists in 15% of hospitalized patients at 6 months.

Symptoms and Clinical Effects Interpretation

Behind the sneaky ubiquity of a mere headache lies a grim parade of neurological ruin, heart strain, and lasting cognitive shadows, proving carbon monoxide is a master of disguise with devastating consequences.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev