The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns
consumers - including hunters and campers - never to burn
charcoal inside homes, vehicles, or tents. Burning charcoal
produces carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide has no odor, cannot be
seen, and can kill you. Consumers may not realize that burning
charcoal produces carbon monoxide and that it will build up to a
dangerous level. Opening a window or using a fan will not assure
that carbon monoxide will be reduced to safe levels.
Each year, approximately 25 people die and hundreds more suffer
from carbon monoxide poisoning when they burn charcoal in
enclosed areas such as their homes, in campers or vans, or in
tents. Some of the victims die from carbon monoxide poisoning
after they burn charcoal in a bedroom or living room for heat or
cooking. Some are campers who burn charcoal inside a tent or
camper to keep warm. Others are hunters who burn charcoal inside
their trucks, cars, or vans. Those who do not die can suffer
headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting,
confusion, disorientation, or collapse.
CPSC warns consumers: Never use charcoal to cook or provide heat
inside enclosed areas such as tents, campers, vans, cars, trucks,
homes, garages, or mobile homes because the carbon monoxide can
kill you.
