UMMS expert advocates for carbon monoxide sensors in cars

In an essay for WBUR’s Cognoscenti blog, Darshak Sanghavi, MD, advocated for requiring carbon monoxide sensors in vehicles, following the recent carbon-monoxide-poisoning deaths that occurred during clean-up from last weekend’s snow storm.

“The most insidious feature of carbon monoxide poisoning is that the early symptoms—mild nausea, dizziness, and weakness—are very mild and seem like mere car sickness,” said Dr. Sanghavi, who is associate professor of pediatrics and chief of pediatric cardiology at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center. “Many cars tell you when it’s time for an oil change, if tire pressure is low, or when you’re low on gas. Why not also report if carbon monoxide levels are dangerous?”

Read the full essay here: The Blizzard’s Biggest Killer — And How To Prevent It Next Time