Burlington, VT – If you’ve felt unexpectedly dizzy, lightheaded, or unusually tired this spring, safety officials in Vermont say it may be worth looking beyond stress, allergies, or lack of sleep.
According to fire safety and public health officials, mild carbon monoxide exposure often begins with symptoms that feel easy to ignore — especially during late winter and early spring, when temperatures fluctuate and daily routines start to change.
“Dizziness and headaches are often the earliest signs,” officials say. “And carbon monoxide is usually the last thing people suspect.”
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, gas stoves, and other fuel-burning appliances. Because it provides no obvious warning, exposure can build gradually inside homes and apartments.
Emergency responders across Chittenden County and Washington County, including incidents reported in Burlington and Montpelier, note that many residents experiencing early symptoms initially assume dehydration, seasonal illness, or fatigue is to blame.
Officials say spring warm-ups can increase risk. Heating systems often continue running overnight during cold snaps, even as daytime temperatures rise. That on-and-off use — paired with closed windows at night — can allow ventilation or equipment issues to go unnoticed.
Symptoms often begin subtly: dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, or a lingering headache that doesn’t feel typical. During long evenings indoors — including gatherings to watch major events like the big game — those warning signs are especially easy to dismiss.
By the time carbon monoxide alarms sound — if they’re installed and working — exposure may already be serious.
Officials stress that carbon monoxide doesn’t follow seasons. It follows conditions.
As Vermont moves further into spring, safety experts urge residents to take unexplained symptoms seriously, test carbon monoxide detectors, and avoid assuming warmer weather means lower risk.
Sometimes, how you feel is the first warning.
