Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonless gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid and gaseous fluids. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquid petroleum, oil, kerosene, coal or wood may produce CO.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), every year, over 200 people in the United States die from CO produced by fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters). Several thousand go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment for CO poisoning, according to the CPSC.
Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. While it is important to recognize these symptoms, there are also ways to prevent CO poisoning.
- Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals.
- Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home.
- Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, tent or vehicle.
- Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
- Never use appliances such as ranges, ovens or clothes dryers for heating your home.
- Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines outdoors.
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