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The Effects of Propane Gas on People & Pets

Fumes from propane gas contain carbon monoxide, which is hazardous to your health and the health of your pets. Carbon monoxide is colorless, has virtually no odor, and is difficult to detect. Virginia's Department of Social Services reports that carbon monoxide is the most common cause of poisoning death in the U.S. While most homes do not use propane gas, it is used in factories and to heat homes in rural areas throughout the U.S. CO poisoning dangers are primarily limited to enclosed areas, so barbecuing outdoors with propane is relatively safe as long as there's plenty of ventilation.

  1. Low Exposure

    • One of the most common symptoms of low exposure carbon monoxide poisoning is a slight headache. Other symptoms of mild exposure to carbon monoxide include having difficulty breathing. For instance, if you do chores around the house and notice you are running out of breath easily, and this has never happened before, this could be a sign of mild carbon monoxide exposure. The Department of Social Services, Virginia, suggests taking note of how you feel when outside of the home. If you notice that you feel better once outside of the house, this may indicate carbon monoxide poisoning.

    Acute Exposure

    • If you notice that your headaches tend to linger, become more severe and you begin feeling light-headed and nauseous for no reason, this may indicate that you are being exposed to acute levels of carbon monoxide. Often people may think they may be coming down with the flu because many of the symptoms they experience are the same. According to The Minnesota Department of Health, one way to determine if it is CO poisoning or the flu; if you have a fever or swollen lymph nodes, it's more likely the flu. Other signs of acute exposure to carbon monoxide are feeling tired, experiencing confusion, memory loss and problems with coordination.

    Prolonged Exposure

    • Many people may not exhibit any type of health problems. This is why it is known as the silent killer. The Department of Social Services in Virginia reports that, people who are exposed to carbon monoxide may still have prolonging health problems, even after the carbon monoxide source is removed. However, continuous exposure to CO at low levels can cause long-term health problems such as neurological damage, impairment of learning and memory. Sensory motor skills and personality may also be adversely affected.

    Effect on Pets

    • One way to know whether the way you are feeling is due to carbon monoxide poisoning is to observe the health and behavior of your pet. Often cats and dogs may exhibit physical symptoms such as tiredness and laziness before you experience symptoms. The Pet Place states that common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs and cats are coordination problems, breathing problems, problems walking, bright red skin and gums, coma and death.

    Propane Versus Other Fuels

    • Energy API reports that nearly 5 million homes in the U.S. use propane fuel to heat their homes, while 60 million use natural gas. Propane is also used to power forklifts, stoves and as an automotive fuel, but it is not nearly as widely used as natural gas. Burning several other types of fuel can result in CO poisoning, including natural gas, gasoline, diesel, charcoal and fuels used in boating and flying, so propane isn't special in that regard. But CO poisoning is a serious concern, causing about 500 deaths per year and 15,000 annual visits to hospital emergency rooms in the U.S.

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