As more details emerge surrounding the heartbreaking deaths of Laken Riley Miller and Logan Gardner in Costa Rica, officials now say that carbon monoxide poisoning likely played a role. From the beginning, many of us in the medical community considered this a possibility. The suddenness of their deaths, in a confined setting with no signs of trauma or struggle, bore the tragic hallmarks of a silent, odorless killer that strikes without warning: carbon monoxide (CO).
So what exactly is carbon monoxide? Why does it remain such a deadly and often overlooked threat — especially while traveling?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Carbon Monoxide and How Is It Created?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that results from the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. That means any time gasoline, propane, wood, charcoal, or natural gas is burned without enough oxygen, CO is produced.
Common sources include:
• Malfunctioning gas heaters or water heaters
• Car engines in enclosed spaces
• Portable generators (especially during power outages)
• Charcoal grills used indoors
• Poorly ventilated gas stoves
• Hotel HVAC systems or pool heaters with improper exhaust systems
Why It’s So Dangerous
CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood with over 200 times the affinity of oxygen. Once attached, it prevents your red blood cells from carrying oxygen to vital organs. Essentially, you suffocate on a cellular level — without ever realizing what’s happening.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The early signs mimic common illnesses, which makes diagnosis difficult unless you’re specifically looking for it:
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion or personality changes
• Chest pain (especially in people with heart conditions)
• Loss of consciousness — often the final, fatal stage
Telltale signs include multiple people in the same location feeling sick simultaneously, or symptoms that improve when outdoors but worsen again indoors.
Who Is Most Susceptible?
• Children (higher respiratory rates)
• Elderly adults
• People with heart or lung disease
• Pregnant women (CO crosses the placenta and affects fetal oxygenation)
• Anyone sleeping — victims often die without ever waking up
How Do You Test for CO Exposure?
• Carboxyhemoglobin level in the blood (COHb) – measured via blood test
• CO detectors – home or travel-sized devices that detect elevated levels in the air
• Pulse CO-oximeters – rare, but can provide noninvasive measurement in some clinical settings
Treatment Options
• Immediate removal from exposure – getting into fresh air can be lifesaving
• 100% oxygen via face mask – speeds up CO elimination from the blood
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – sometimes used in severe cases to rapidly displace CO and restore tissue oxygenation
• Supportive care – for neurologic, cardiac, or respiratory complications
Why It Happens More Often Abroad
In the U.S., building codes, inspections, and widespread use of CO detectors have dramatically reduced carbon monoxide deaths over the past few decades. Portable heaters, generators, and appliances must meet safety standards, and most newer homes have hardwired detectors.
However, in many countries, especially in parts of Central America, Asia, or Eastern Europe:
• CO detectors are rare or nonexistent
• Ventilation is inadequate
• Generators or gas-powered water heaters may be placed indoors or poorly maintained
• Enforcement of safety regulations varies widely
Add to that the fact that tourists often don’t know the layout or condition of their accommodations — and may not recognize signs of a gas leak or faulty appliance — and the risk rises.
A Brief History of a Hidden Killer
Carbon monoxide poisoning has been documented for centuries. In the 1800s, it was referred to as “coal gas poisoning.” It’s been responsible for countless accidental deaths, as well as intentional ones — it was once a common method of suicide via running car engines in closed garages.
CO was also used in darker historical contexts: it was one of the gases used during the Holocaust in early gas chamber experiments.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself While Traveling
1. Travel with a portable CO detector
They’re inexpensive, packable, and can save your life. Some even come with dual smoke/CO functionality.
2. Ask about gas appliances and ventilation
Especially in Airbnbs or private rentals — inquire if they use gas water heaters or generators.
3. Be aware of symptoms
If you or your travel companions start to feel unwell inside and better outside, take it seriously.
4. Avoid running engines or generators near sleeping areas
This includes hotel generators, parked vehicles, or pool heaters in small spaces.
The loss of Laken Riley Miller and Logan Gardner is devastating — and if carbon monoxide exposure was the cause, their story becomes part of a sadly preventable legacy. As travelers, we crave freedom, adventure, and escape — but we must never forget that safety is part of wellness, and vigilance is a form of self-care.
At JetSet Meds, we believe that the healthiest journey is a prepared one.
Travel Well.
