Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: an Invisible Danger on Houseboats
Summertime: houseboats, fresh air, and cool water. Invisible but
dangerous carbon monoxide couldn’t possibly be a threat here--or could
it?
You probably know that carbon monoxide poisoning is a danger when
gasoline-powered engines are run in enclosed spaces. What many people
don’t know is that severe carbon monoxide poisoning can also occur
outdoors and has been linked with houseboats.
The Problem
Since 1994, there have been at least nine carbon monoxide-related
deaths on houseboats, and more than 100 non-fatal poisonings in the U.S.
Studies indicate that houseboats with on-board electricity generators
that vent toward the rear of the boat can pose a danger of carbon
monoxide poisoning to people on the rear swim deck or water platform.
Carbon monoxide poisonings have also occurred inside houseboats.
Gasoline-powered engines on houseboats, including the houseboat’s
onboard generator, produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas
that can poison or kill someone who breathes in too much of it. Carbon
monoxide tends to build up above the water near the water platform. The
amount of carbon monoxide that can build up in the air space beneath the
stern deck on houseboats can be deadly within seconds to minutes and can
also reach life-threatening concentrations on and near the swim deck.
The Effects
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache,
dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High
levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death, or
can cause someone to pass out and fall into the water and drown. Unless
suspected, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose
because the symptoms seem like other illnesses. People who are sleeping
or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever
experiencing symptoms.
If you think someone on your houseboat has carbon monoxide poisoning,
move him or her to fresh air quickly and contact your nearest emergency
services.
Prevention
How can you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning on or around your
houseboat?
- Install and maintain a working carbon monoxide detector inside the
houseboat (remember, this won’t alert people to dangerous levels of
carbon monoxide at locations outside the houseboat cabin, such as the
swim deck).
- Make sure that all fuel-burning engines and appliances are
properly installed, maintained, and operated.
- Educate all passengers about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of
carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if the houseboat has a rear swim
deck or water platform.
- Watch children closely when they are playing on rear swim decks or
water platforms for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Swim and enjoy other activities away from areas where
gasoline-powered engines vent their exhaust.
Carbon monoxide from exhaust pipes of inboard engines, outboard
engines, and generators builds up inside and outside any boat in areas
near the exhaust vents. Since 1994, 31 deaths have been reported to the
U.S. Coast Guard involving all types of recreational boats. The Coast
Guard reminds boaters to be aware of the following:
- Blocking exhaust outlets can cause carbon monoxide to build up in
the cabin and cockpit areas – even when hatches, windows, portholes,
and doors are closed.
- Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached, or anchored
beside your boat can send carbon monoxide into the cabin and cockpit
of your boat. Your boat should always be at least 20 feet from the
nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.
- Slow speeds or idling in the water can cause carbon monoxide to
build up in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, even in an open
area. Wind entering from the aft section of the boat can also increase
this build up of carbon monoxide.
- The “station wagon effect,” or back drafting can cause carbon
monoxide to build up inside the cabin, cockpit, and bridge when
operating the boat at a high bow angle, with improper or heavy
loading, or if there is an opening that draws in exhaust.
Additional Information
For more information about carbon monoxide, see the following:
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