Carbon Monoxide, also known as CO, is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas often called the “Invisible Killer." Over 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental, nonfire-related CO poisoning, and thousands more are hospitalized. Most accidental CO poisonings occur in the winter and are frequently associated with consumer products such as generators, furnaces, stoves, water heaters, fireplaces and improperly vented vehicles.
As we approach the winter months, let's visit CO safety practices. Since Carbon Monoxide is colorless and odorless, detecting exposure can be difficult. Knowing the potential symptoms of CO poisoning is important to keeping everyone around you safe.
Common symptoms of CO Poisoning:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Severe CO Poisoning symptoms can include:
- Mental confusion
- Vomiting
- Loss of muscular coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Ultimately death
Avoiding CO poisoning begins with taking the appropriate preventative measures to protect you and your loved ones:
- Install CO alarms outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.
- Maintain and monitor CO alarms by testing them at least once a month.
- Make sure all vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and debris.
- Have your furnace, water heater and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
- Only use portable generators in well-ventilated area outdoors away from doors, windows and vents.
- Warm up your car away from the house. Never run a vehicle inside of a garage, even with the door open.
- Don’t use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors.
- Never use an oven to heat your home. Rely on indoor space heaters with an automatic shut off setting.
If your CO alarm does sound, immediately exit the building to fresh air, call 9-1-1 and remain outside of the premises until emergency responders have given permission to reenter the building.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Resources: