CPSC Releases New Report on Carbon Monoxide (CO) Fatalities, Urges Generator Safety in New PSA

One portable generator can produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today released a new report on carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning deaths associated with portable generators. CPSC also launched a new public service announcement (PSA) underscoring the dangers of portable generators.

In its new report, Fatal Incidents Associated with Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Engine-Driven Generators and Other Engine-Driven Tools 2011-2021, CPSC estimates that about 85 consumers die in the U.S. each year from CO poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators.* The report also shows that African Americans are at higher risk, accounting for 23 percent of generator-related CO deaths, nearly double their estimated 13 percent share of the U.S. population.

Most generator deaths (81%) occur in residential locations. CPSC's study also found that the top three reasons for using a generator among the reported fatal incidents were weather-related power outages, power shut-offs, and attempts to provide power to temporary locations, such as cabins, campers and trailers.

CPSC PSA: One portable generator produces the same amount of carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars illustrates how gasoline-powered portable generators can create a risk of CO poisoning that can kill in minutes. The PSA is also available in Spanish.

CO is called the invisible killer because it is colorless and odorless. CO poisoning from portable generators can happen so quickly that exposed persons may become unconscious before recognizing the symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness.

Consumers who plan to use a portable generator during a power loss should follow these tips:

Loss of Power—Using a Generator Safely

CO and Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Read more safety tips in our Carbon Monoxide Safety Center.

*Annual average for the number of reported fatal non-fire CO exposure deaths associated with generators each year from 2017-2019, the last three complete years of the full report (2011-2021). (Report/Table 3)

About the U.S. CPSCThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:

Please use the below phone number for all media requests.

Phone: (301) 504-7908Spanish: (301) 504-7800

View CPSC contacts for specific areas of expertise