Brett Gardner’s Son Died of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Protect Your Family from the 'Invisible Killer' While Traveling

On Wednesday, April 2, the director of Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department revealed that the official cause of death for former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner's son Miller is exposure to carbon monoxide.

The 14-year-old — who tragically passed away while his family was on vacation in Costa Rica — tested for carboxyhemoglobin, which is "a stable complex of carbon monoxide that forms in red blood cells when carbon monoxide is inhaled."

Miller’s death comes just weeks after three American women died from carbon monoxide poisoning while at a beach resort in Belize. Additionally, 12 people were found dead from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a popular ski resort in the former Soviet republic of Georgia in December. And, a family of four died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a New Hampshire vacation home on Christmas Day.

Carbon monoxide is known as the “invisible killer” because it is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas or liquid, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is undetectable to human senses, so people often have no idea they are being exposed.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine — such as a furnace, heater or generator — is not working or vented properly.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, loss of consciousness and more.

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Here’s how to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning while traveling.

• Call hotels or rental properties to ask if CO detectors are installed and maintained near each sleeping area and on every level of the building. Check the batteries, and if the alarm ever sounds, leave the residence immediately and call 911.
• If unsure of the presence or status of CO detectors, travel with portable carbon monoxide alarms, which are typically pocket-sized and battery or outlet-powered.
• Don’t leave cars running in a garage, even if the garage door is open. Fumes can build quickly in the garage and home.
• Use portable generators outside in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents of the house.
• Have fuel-burning appliances — oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves — inspected by trained professionals at the beginning of every heating season.
• Ensure vents for the dryer, furnace stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
• Don’t use a gas oven to heat the home, even for short periods.
• Charcoal grills and gasoline-powered engines should not be used indoors or in enclosed areas.
• Avoid sleeping in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, specifically if more than one person is feeling them, should not be ignored.

Those who believe their symptoms could be from carbon monoxide poisoning should get fresh air immediately and go to an emergency room. It can be diagnosed with a blood test soon after exposure.