August 4, 2005

MEDIA ADVISORY: Learn The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning While Boating

Before undocking that boat for a day of water sports, the Blue Ridge Poison Control Center at the University of Virginia Health System wants to alert the boating public to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning causes over 500 deaths each year in the U.S. Many of these poisonings are related to boating; a boater can be exposed to dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) both inside and outside their craft.

CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning any fuel: oil, kerosene, wood, or gasoline, for example.   When inhaled, CO binds to red blood cells and starves the body of oxygen. Exposure to high levels of CO may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dizziness, weakness, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and death.

Very high concentrations of CO can cause loss of consciousness in only a few breaths. Many boating-related drownings are later found to be the result of CO poisoning. Exhaust from boat engines is especially deadly. These engines do not have catalytic converters (which reduce CO emissions from car engines by about 90%). CO can build up within enclosed areas of a boat if:

  • The exhaust system leaks or is blocked.
  • Fuel-burning devices are operated on the boat (i.e. generators, gas grills, and kerosene space heaters).
  • The wind blows exhaust from the boat, or any boat idling close by, into a poorly ventilated cockpit or cabin.

“Back drafting” is a dangerous pooling of exhaust fumes caught behind the cabin when a boat moves slowly or idles with the engine running. Anyone swimming or wading near a boat’s exhaust pipe is in danger of CO exposure. Even the swim deck at the back of the boat can be a deadly place to sit or stand if the boat’s engine is running. “Teak surfing,” or holding on to the swim deck while a boat is moving in order to ride the wake created, is a fad that has resulted in deaths and is illegal in some states. To protect yourself and your boat passengers from CO poisoning:

  • Insure that all fuel-burning engines and appliances are properly installed, maintained, and operated.
  • Routinely inspect exhaust systems for leaks.
  • Keep enclosed areas well-ventilated at all times, even if you do not smell any fumes.
  • Educate all passengers about the symptoms of CO poisoning. Note that they can mimic other conditions including motion sickness, alcohol poisoning, or the flu. Watch children closely for symptoms.
  • Do not allow swimming or wading near the boat’s exhaust pipes; nor sitting on the swim platform; if the engine or generator is running.
  • Keep your boat docked at least 20 feet away from another boat that is running an engine or generator.
  • Install and maintain a CO detector in enclosed boat areas and take every alarm seriously.

If you suspect CO poisoning, immediately move the victim to fresh air away from the boat and call for medical help. Turn off the engine or generator and evacuate the boat if possible even if no other person has symptoms.  For help, call the Blue Ridge Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for any suspected problems or questions concerning carbon monoxide. Cell phone users can call 1-800-451-1428.

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