Why am I being warned about potential exposure to carbon monoxide?
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
- Exposure to carbon monoxide during pregnancy can affect the baby’s brain development and cause loss of pregnancy.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposure to listed chemicals.
What is carbon monoxide?
- Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. It is formed during the combustion of various fuels, including gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, wood, coal, kerosene, propane, as well as plant-derived substances such as tobacco smoke and cannabis (marijuana) smoke.
- Carbon monoxide can replace oxygen in the bloodstream. During pregnancy, reduced levels of oxygen in the bloodstream can affect the development of the baby’s brain.
How does exposure to carbon monoxide occur in enclosed parking facilities, service stations, and vehicle-repair facilities?
- Exposure occurs by breathing air that contains carbon monoxide.
- Carbon monoxide is released directly from vehicle tailpipes while engines are running.
- Carbon monoxide present in motor-vehicle exhaust can accumulate in garages, enclosed parking facilities, service stations, and vehicle-repair facilities.
- During pregnancy, carbon monoxide can pass from mother to baby.
Carbon monoxide is produced during combustion
People breathe air that contains carbon monoxide
How can I reduce my exposure to carbon monoxide in enclosed parking facilities, service stations, and vehicle-repair facilities?
- Do not idle your vehicle in enclosed parking facilities, service stations, and vehicle-repair facilities. Carbon monoxide present in motor-vehicle exhaust can build up very quickly.
- Limit the time you spend in these facilities.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
California Air Resources Board (CARB) - US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
Scientific Information on Carbon Monoxide
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
