Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children: The Impact of Power Outages

When the lights go out, the dangers don’t end at lost power. New research is shedding light on a hidden but serious health risk that spikes during power outages: carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in children. The studies reveal a troubling pattern—emergency department visits for pediatric CO exposure rise significantly during both minor and large-scale power failures, highlighting the lethal consequences of indoor use of alternative heating sources.

Over the past decade, experts in pediatrics and emergency medicine have observed a sharp uptick in CO poisoning cases among children when households turn to combustion-based heating solutions during outages. Fueled by necessity and often unaware of the risks, families frequently rely on generators, grills, or portable heaters indoors—devices that emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide when not properly ventilated.

The data are clear. During small-scale power outages, the likelihood of CO-related emergency visits among children increases by approximately 50%. In large-scale outages, that figure can surge by as much as 150%. These findings, published in Pediatrics, confirm what clinicians have long suspected: power failures serve as a catalyst for a preventable public health crisis, especially among vulnerable populations.

Children, particularly those aged five years or younger, are among the most susceptible to carbon monoxide’s toxic effects. Their smaller bodies absorb the gas more rapidly, and early symptoms—such as dizziness, headache, or confusion—can be easily overlooked or mistaken for viral illness. Alarmingly, the study also found disproportionate risk among Black children living in urban areas, pointing to broader disparities in housing conditions, access to safety information, and the availability of carbon monoxide detectors.

The mechanics of the danger are well-documented. When combustion devices like gasoline-powered generators or propane heaters are used indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless gas—can accumulate quickly to dangerous levels. Without proper ventilation or functioning CO detectors, families may remain unaware of the invisible threat until symptoms escalate or tragedy strikes.

Federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have long emphasized the importance of preventive measures. These include placing generators at least 20 feet away from any window, ensuring adequate ventilation, and, critically, installing carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups in every level of the home. Yet, compliance remains inconsistent, particularly in areas with older housing infrastructure or limited access to emergency preparedness resources.

For healthcare professionals, the findings offer both a warning and a call to action. Pediatricians and emergency physicians are in a pivotal position to educate families about the dangers of CO exposure—especially in regions prone to severe weather events or aging power grids. Routine clinical encounters can serve as opportunities to discuss home safety measures, emergency planning, and the life-saving role of CO detectors.

The research also underscores the need for proactive public health messaging during forecasted outages or disaster responses. Municipalities and health departments may benefit from incorporating CO safety education into their communication strategies, distributing detectors through community programs, or offering subsidies for low-income households.

As climate change continues to strain infrastructure and increase the frequency of extreme weather, the threat of power outages—and their unintended consequences—is likely to grow. The recent studies confirm what clinicians have observed in practice: without proper awareness and safeguards, a darkened home can quickly become a hazardous one.

By addressing this intersection of energy, equity, and emergency care, the medical community can help illuminate a path forward—one where power outages no longer translate into preventable harm for the youngest and most vulnerable.