The leading specific types of equipment were:
· Gas-fueled space heaters (69 deaths)
· Gas-fueled furnaces (52 deaths)
· Charcoal grills (36 deaths)
· Gas-fueled ranges (23 deaths)
· Portable kerosene heaters (23 deaths)
· Wood stoves (13 deaths)
As with fire deaths, the risk of unintentional CO death is highest for the very young (ages 4 or younger) or the very old (ages 75 or above). How can you protect yourself from CO poisoning?
The best defenses against CO poisoning are safe use of vehicles (particularly in attached garages) and proper installation, use and maintenance of household cooking and heating equipment. You may also want to install CO detectors inside your home to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide. However, a CO detector is no substitute for safe use and maintenance of heating and cooking equipment. .