Carbon Monoxide Facts

• CO is an odorless, tasteless, invisible poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled.  You cannot see it, smell it or taste it.
• It is called the “Silent Killer.”
• CO is produced when burning any fuel, such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, and charcoal. If you have fire, you have CO.
• Any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning or improperly installed can cause carbon monoxide to seep into the home.
  

  Common sources of Carbon Monoxide in the home.

• Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, killing 500 and sending 20,000 to emergency rooms annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
• The first symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu but are often misdiagnosed.  Beware of several family members complaining of flu symptoms at the same time:
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Blurred vision
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty thinking
• Nearly 89 percent of reported non-fire CO incidents occur in the home (National Fire Prevention Association).
• The only safe way to detect carbon monoxide is with a working carbon monoxide alarm.

The “Do’s” of CO Prevention

• Do install at least one battery-powered CO alarm or AC-powered unit with battery back-up on each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
• Do  have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
• Do install fuel-burning appliances properly and operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually.
• Do check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Do they need new batteries?

The “Don’ts” of CO Prevention

• Don’t block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
• Don’t leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
• Don’t use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• Don’t use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
• Don’t operate a generator in spaces attached to your home, such as porches, patios or garages. Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home and protected from direct exposure to rain.

Where should a CO Alarm be installed?

• Every level and near bedrooms
• 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances
• Wall or ceiling away from dead air spaces, such as where the wall meets the ceiling and floor