In the year 2022, a tragic incident occurred at a resort in the Bahamas, resulting in the
Silent killer in your hotel? Why aren't carbon monoxide detectors always there?
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How often does carbon monoxide poisoning happen in hotels?
According to findings from a study published in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports, during the period spanning from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018, "905 guests experienced carbon monoxide poisoning across 115 identified incidents, tragically including 22 fatalities." These incidents occurred in various lodging establishments such as hotels, motels, and resorts throughout the United States, encompassing several that were categorized as "luxury" accommodations. This alarming figure includes children, who accounted for 16% of those poisoned and a disproportionately high 27% of all the recorded fatalities. The study further emphasized that "the majority of these poisonings were attributable to natural gas fueled appliances and could likely have been averted through the presence of an in-room carbon monoxide alarm."
Why don't more hotels install detectors?
The fundamental reason for this lack of widespread protection is that many states within the United States, and numerous travel destinations internationally, don't mandate their installation. Consequently, hotels and other lodging establishments often simply don't equip their rooms with these potentially life-saving devices.
Information from Electrical Contractor Magazine indicates that, as of 2023, a mere 18 states in the United States require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and motels. (This issue can also extend to home rental properties found on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, as the magazine also noted that only 38 states have such requirements for private residences.) However, even within states that do have these regulations in place, significant loopholes often exist. According to the authors of the Preventive Medicine study, some states have specific exclusions, such as requiring detectors only "in newly constructed or repaired hotels" or solely in rooms that are directly adjacent to a recognized source of carbon monoxide.
"This situation represents a failure on the part of both governmental bodies and the lodging industry to adequately protect the traveling public," the study authors asserted. They emphasized that a substantial number of the injuries and fatalities resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning could likely have been prevented through the use of carbon monoxide alarms. These devices function similarly to smoke detectors, providing a timely alert of the presence of the dangerous gas, thereby allowing individuals sufficient time to escape the hazardous environment.
Regarding the financial implications of installing these alarms, the study authors explained that a carbon monoxide alarm equipped with a 10-year battery can be purchased in the United States for approximately $40. This cost translates to roughly one cent per guest room per day. (Moreover, as will be detailed shortly, readily available options can be found for significantly less, making the cost even more justifiable for hotels to invest in saving lives.)
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Are there good portable detectors I can buy?
It's entirely feasible for individuals to proactively ensure their own safety by purchasing a portable carbon monoxide detector that can be conveniently carried along on their next vacation. The publication Travel + Leisure conducted a review of various types of these detectors and identified the First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector as their top overall recommendation.
"First Alert demonstrably addressed all critical aspects with their CO605 Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup," Sarah Kester explained in her comprehensive review. "This portable device offers hassle-free installation by simply plugging into any standard electrical outlet, making it adaptable to virtually any room. Should a power outage disrupt your holiday plans, the integrated battery backup provides an essential additional layer of protection."
What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Regrettably, carbon monoxide is commonly known as the "silent killer" due to its complete lack of color, odor, and taste. However, there are specific warning signs to be vigilant for. According to information provided by Johns Hopkins, the key symptoms to watch out for include "headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, seizures, chest pain, disorientation, and loss of consciousness." If any of these symptoms are experienced, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Explore more travel-friendly carbon monoxide detectors
Protecting yourself from the silent threat of carbon monoxide while traveling is crucial. Here are a few highly-rated, travel-friendly carbon monoxide detectors to consider for your next trip:
- X-Sense XC01-R Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector
- First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector
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