The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released its first statewide report tracking unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) exposures from 2019 to 2023. The study highlights that CO poisoning causes nearly 940 ER visits, 126 hospitalizations, and 57 deaths annually in Illinois, with most incidents occurring at home during colder months.
Common CO sources include faulty furnaces, gas stoves, water heaters, vehicle exhaust, generators, and gas-powered tools used indoors. Most CO incidents happen on Sundays and in the evenings.
Over five years, fire departments responded to more than 50,000 CO-related calls—95% in homes. Alarm data was lacking in most reports, but working CO detectors alerted residents in some cases.
Officials urge residents to install and maintain CO alarms, check appliances, and avoid using generators or gas tools indoors. The IDPH will use these findings to strengthen public awareness and prevention efforts.