Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that you can’t
see, taste, feel, or smell. Over 500 people in the U.S.
die from CO inhalation every year. Persons with CO
poisoning display symptoms similar to the flu. People
who survive often suffer brain damage, heart problems,
or loss of sight or hearing. CO is particularly harmful
to children, unborn babies, the elderly, and asthma
sufferers.
To keep CO in your home under control, keep an eye on
fuel-burning appliances. Most gas appliances that have
been put in and taken care of properly meet safety
standards. Check for improperly installed or unvented
appliances. Watch out for these common sources of CO:
Gas and oil furnaces, boilers, and water heaters
Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves
Gas and charcoal grills
Gas appliances like ovens, stoves, and dryers
Gas and kerosene space heaters
Cars, trucks, campers, tractors, and other
vehicles
Gasoline and liquid propane powered small
equipment, including lawn mowers, snow blowers,
chainsaws, pressure washers, and electric generators
Recreational vehicles, including boat motors,
all-terrain vehicles, ski- boats, and generators in
campers and houseboats.
Tobacco smoke
House fires
Blocked chimneys and flues
Safety Checklist
Turn off
appliances that start making different noises, start
sooting, producing a yellow or orange flame, or smell
funny. Call a repair man.
Read the
instructions that came with your appliances to make sure
they are properly vented.
Keep
wood, paper, cloth, and other flammables away from
heating appliances.
Get your
furnace checked every year by a qualified heating and
cooling technician. Ask him or her to inspect your
chimney or other venting system.
Improper
insulation and weather-striping can block ventilation.
Call a heating contractor to make sure it’s done right.
If your
smoke or CO detector alarm goes off, or if you smell
gas, get out and call 9-1-1.
Carbon Monoxide web links and contact information:
