Travelling With Kids? How to Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide in Hotels & Motels

Traveling with children is an exciting way to create cherished memories, but it also comes with unique responsibilities. 

While families may focus on packing snacks, toys, and travel games, one invisible danger often goes overlooked: carbon monoxide (CO). 

Known as the “silent killer,” CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can be produced by malfunctioning heating systems, water heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances in hotels and motels. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to its effects, making vigilance important for a safe trip.

Why Children and Pregnant Women Are More Vulnerable

Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood more efficiently than oxygen, which reduces oxygen delivery to vital organs. 

Children have higher metabolic rates and breathe more rapidly than adults, meaning CO exposure can affect them more quickly. Pregnant women are at risk because CO can cross the placenta, potentially harming fetal development. 

Even short-term exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, or nausea, but prolonged exposure may result in long-term neurological or developmental problems.

What to Look for When You Check In

When checking into a hotel or motel, look for safety features that can protect your family from CO:

• Carbon monoxide alarms: Check for functional CO detectors in rooms. They should be centrally located and audible.
• Proper ventilation: Rooms should have windows that open or mechanical ventilation systems that reduce the risk of gas buildup.
• Quality appliances: Ensure heating systems, water heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances appear modern and well-maintained.
   

Questions to Ask the Front Desk

Don’t hesitate to ask the hotel staff about CO safety protocols:

• “Do all rooms have working carbon monoxide detectors?”
• “When were the detectors last inspected or replaced?”
• “What routine maintenance do you perform on heating systems and water heaters?”

Hotels should be able to provide clear answers, and staff should welcome safety-conscious questions. Your family’s health depends on it.

Behavioral Checks During Your Stay

Even if alarms are present, trust your instincts. Be alert to signs of CO exposure:

• Unusual smells: Gas or chemical-like odors near heating systems or appliances.
• Unexplained illness: Nausea, headaches, dizziness, or fatigue affecting multiple family members may indicate CO exposure.

If these symptoms appear, do not ignore them. Immediate action can prevent serious health consequences.

What to Do if You Suspect Exposure

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure in a hotel room, evacuate immediately and move everyone to fresh air outdoors. Call 911 or local emergency services. CO poisoning is a medical emergency and should be taken seriously. That’s why it’s so important to seek immediate medical attention. Even mild symptoms should be evaluated, particularly for children and pregnant women.

Next, inform the hotel management and document your concerns and any steps taken during the incident. Lastly, contact Morgan & Morgan if you suffered harm from the exposure. Our carbon monoxide poisoning attorneys can help evaluate your situation and share your legal options.

 

After Your Trip

Even after leaving the hotel, monitor your family’s health. Watch for lingering symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or fatigue. Schedule a check-up with a physician to ensure no lasting harm.

Keep records of your stay, symptoms, medical evaluations, and communications with hotel staff. This documentation may be important if legal action becomes necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are children more susceptible to CO poisoning?

Yes. Children breathe faster than adults and have higher metabolic rates, so CO can affect them more quickly. Exposure may lead to both short-term symptoms, like headaches or nausea, and long-term developmental concerns.

Should I bring a portable CO detector when travelling?

Bringing a small, battery-operated CO detector can provide peace of mind, especially if you’re staying in older hotels or motels. Portable detectors are affordable and easy to carry in luggage. Some models even have mobile app-based features, which can help to collect a record and evidence of CO exposure.

What kind of hotels are at higher risk?

Older buildings, budget motels, or accommodations with outdated heating systems are generally at higher risk. Proper maintenance, functioning alarms, and ventilation are key safety factors.

How common is CO poisoning in hotels?

While relatively rare, CO incidents do occur and can be severe. According to the CDC, hundreds of people die annually from CO exposure in the United States, and hotel incidents have been reported in both budget and upscale accommodations.

Do luxury hotels still have this risk?

Yes. CO can develop in any facility with fuel-burning appliances. Luxury hotels typically have more stringent maintenance and detection protocols, but vigilance is still important.

What are the long-term effects on children from CO exposure?

Long-term effects of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure in children can vary depending on how much and how long they were exposed, but even moderate levels can cause lasting neurological and developmental damage. Because children’s brains and bodies are still developing, they’re especially sensitive to oxygen deprivation caused by CO binding to hemoglobin in the blood.

The most common long-term effects seen in children after CO poisoning can include:

• Cognitive and Developmental Delays – CO exposure can impair memory, learning, and attention span. Some children experience difficulties with school performance or concentration that persist for months or even years after the exposure.
• Behavioral and Emotional Changes – Children may develop irritability, mood swings, or symptoms resembling ADHD. In severe cases, emotional regulation and social interactions may be affected.
• Neurological Damage – Prolonged exposure can result in brain injury, including damage to areas responsible for coordination, vision, and speech. MRI scans sometimes show white matter changes linked to hypoxic injury.
• Headaches and Fatigue – Chronic headaches, fatigue, and dizziness are common lingering symptoms, sometimes lasting for months post-exposure.
• Cardiac or Organ Effects – Severe poisoning can strain the heart and other organs, leading to ongoing cardiovascular issues later in life.
• Delayed Neurological Syndrome (DNS) – In some cases, children appear to recover after exposure but develop neurological or psychological symptoms weeks later, such as confusion, personality changes, or motor impairment.

Because the effects can appear slowly or mimic other conditions, early medical evaluation and follow-up are very important. If a child has been exposed to carbon monoxide, especially in a hotel, rental, or vacation property, parents should seek immediate medical attention, request neurological follow-up, and keep detailed records of symptoms and treatments.

Can the hotel refuse to let me inspect their CO detector?

Yes, but you can still ask questions about inspection dates and maintenance logs. You also have the right to request a different room or take other precautions for your family’s safety.

If multiple family members get sick, should we evacuate the building?

Absolutely. Symptoms affecting multiple individuals may indicate CO presence. Leave the building immediately and seek medical attention.

Is there travel insurance that covers CO poisoning?

Some travel insurance policies include coverage for accidental injury due to CO exposure, but it varies. Always review policy details and coverage limits before traveling.

When is the right time to call a lawyer after a suspected CO exposure?

If your family experiences symptoms due to CO exposure in a hotel, especially if medical treatment was required or lasting effects occur, consulting a lawyer promptly can help protect your rights and explore potential compensation.

Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys can help families investigate the cause of the exposure and pursue accountability from negligent property owners or hotel operators responsible for faulty equipment or inadequate safety measures.

As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, we have been fighting For the People for over 35 years, recovering over $25 billion in compensation in the process—money families need and deserve to move forward with their lives after being harmed by someone else’s negligence.

If you or a loved one suffered harm from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t wait to take action. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.