Your Home, your travel — Is it Safe?
The recent death of a baseball player’s son has brought attention to some issues that we may or may not know are happening in our home and, yes, when we travel. Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, tragically passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica on March 21, 2025. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning remains a serious issue. In 2022, there were 1,244 deaths in the U.S. due to CO poisoning, with 624 being accidental and 579 classified as suicides. Additionally, 511 deaths involved CO but were not directly caused by poisoning—many of these were related to fires. The number of accidental CO poisoning deaths has increased by 85.7% from 2012 to 2022. A major contributor to this rise is the use of portable generators, which have been linked to 40% of CO deaths related to consumer products since 2009. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs when CO gas builds up in the bloodstream, replacing oxygen and leading to severe tissue damage or even death. Since CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, it can be difficult to detect without proper precautions. Symptoms CO poisoning symptoms can resemble the flu but without a fever. Common signs include: Headache Weakness Dizziness Nausea or vomiting Shortness of breath Confusion Blurred vision Loss of consciousness Causes CO is produced by burning gas, wood, propane, or charcoal. Poorly vented appliances and enclosed spaces can lead to dangerous CO buildup. Prevention Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas. Ensure proper ventilation for gas appliances. Never run a car or generator in an enclosed space. Have heating systems and appliances regularly inspected? If you suspect CO poisoning, get into fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. In severe cases, treatment may include oxygen therapy or h When traveling, keeping carbon monoxide (CO) safety in mind is just as important as it is at home. Here’s what to watch out for: 1. Hotel & Rental Safety Check if your hotel or rental has CO detectors installed. Open windows or ensure proper ventilation, especially if there are gas appliances. Never use portable gas stoves, heaters, or charcoal indoors. 2. Transportation & Parking Avoid idling your car for extended periods, especially in garages or enclosed spaces. If renting a car, ensure no exhaust leaks—CO can seep into the cabin. 3. Airplane & Cruise Ship Precautions Some older cruise ships and aircraft can have issues with fuel combustion—if feeling dizzy or nauseous in enclosed spaces, seek fresh air. Be mindful of gas-powered equipment used onboard. 4. Camping & RV Tips Keep generators far from tents, windows, and sleeping areas. Use properly vented heating sources in campers or RVs. Never use charcoal or fuel-burning stoves inside tents. 5. Recognizing CO Symptoms While Traveling Feeling headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion in an enclosed space? Get fresh air immediately.