Why should portable generators never be run inside a building?

Portable generators should never be run inside a building because they produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that is extremely toxic to humans and animals. When a generator operates, it burns fuel, releasing this harmful gas as a byproduct. If carbon monoxide accumulates in an enclosed space, it can lead to poisoning, which can be fatal. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea, and it can quickly incapacitate individuals without warning.

The other options are not the primary concern associated with running a generator indoors. While excessive heat can be produced, the immediate and most life-threatening risk is from carbon monoxide poisoning. Issues such as electrical fires can arise from improper use of generators, but carbon monoxide exposure poses a more serious and direct danger in confined spaces. Lastly, generators do not emit ozone gases; ozone is a product of certain types of electrical discharge and not a direct byproduct of generator operation. Therefore, the pivotal reason for avoiding indoor use of portable generators centers around the significant risk of carbon monoxide.