What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

  • Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled.

  • It is sometimes called the "silent killer."

  • CO inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen.

  • CO can be produced when burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil or wood.

  • CO is the product of incomplete combustion. If you have fire, you have CO.

Where does Carbon Monoxide (CO) come from?

  • Any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning or improperly installed.

  • Furnaces, gas range/stove, gas clothes dryer, water heater, portable fuel-burning space heaters, fireplaces, generators and wood burning stoves.

  • Vehicles, generators and other combustion engines running in an attached garage.

  • Blocked chimney or flue.

  • Cracked or loose furnace exchanger.

  • Back drafting and changes in air pressure.

  • Operating a grill in an enclosed space.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning?

  • Initial symptoms are similar to the flu without a fever and can include dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, sleepiness, fatigue/weakness and disorientation/confusion.

What are the effects of Carbon Monoxide (CO) exposure?

  • Common Mild Exposure - Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, flu-like symptoms.

  • Common Medium Exposure - Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.

  • Common Extreme Exposure - Convulsions, unconsciousness, brain damage, heart and lung failure followed by death.

  • If you experience even mild CO poisoning symptoms, immediately consult a physician!

Are there any steps I can take to prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning?

  • Properly equip your home with carbon monoxide alarms on every level and in sleeping areas. The only safe way to detect CO in your home is with a CO alarm.

  • Every year have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected by a qualified technician.

  • Regularly examine vents and chimneys for improper connections, visible rust and stains.

  • Install and operate appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  • Only purchase appliances that have been approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

  • Never use a gas range/stove to heat the home.

  • Never leave your car idling in a closed garage or use fuel-powered appliances or tools in enclosed, attached areas such as garages or porches. Carbon monoxide can seep into your home through vents and doors.

Do I need a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm? Where should it be installed?

  • Every home with at least one fuel-burning appliance/heater, attached garage or fireplace should have a CO alarm.

  • If the home has only one CO alarm, it should be installed in the main bedroom or in the hallway outside of the sleeping area.

  • An alarm should be installed on every level of the home and in sleeping areas.

  • Place the alarm at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.

  • Make sure nothing is covering or obstructing the unit.

  • Do not place the unit in dead air spaces or next to a window or door.

  • Test the CO alarm once a month by pressing the test/reset button.

  • Every month, unplug the unit and vacuum with a soft-brush attachment or wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove accumulated dust.

Should my Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm have a digital display? What does the peak level function do?

  • A digital display allows you to see if CO is present and respond before it becomes a dangerous situation.

  • Peak Level Memory stores the highest recorded reading prior to being reset. This feature enables you to know if there was a reading while you were away from home, and also can help emergency responders determine the best treatment.

Whom should I call if my Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm goes off?

  • If anyone is experiencing symptoms, you need to get everyone into fresh air and call 911 from a neighbor's home.

  • If no one is experiencing symptoms, you should call the fire department or a qualified technician from a neighbor's home to have the problem inspected.

  • If you are unable to leave the home to call for help, open the doors and windows, and turn off all possible sources while you are waiting for assistance to arrive.

  • Under no circumstance should an alarm be ignored!