Carbon Monoxide: the Odorless Killer

Every year nearly 300 people in the United States die in their homes from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, is produced by burning any fuel. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential source of CO.

Carbon monoxide can lead from faulty furnaces or fuel-fired heaters, or it can be trapped inside by a blocked chimney or flue. Burning charcoal inside the house or running an automobile engine in an attached garage also will produce carbon monoxide in the home.

The key to prevention is to make sure fuel burning appliances are in good working order. Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and flues) inspected each year to make sure they are operating properly and are not leaking. Inspectors should check all heating appliances and their electrical and mechanical components, thermostat control, and automatic safety devices. To really protect yourself and your family, put a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your house.

What are the symptoms of poisoning?

Initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu-like illnesses. You cannot smell carbon monoxide - it is an odorless killer. Symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Irregular breathing

When several family members get these symptoms at once it may be the flu; but it may also be carbon monoxide poisoning. As carbon monoxide levels rise, symptoms may include disorientation, loss of consciousness and even death.

How can I tell if there might be a problem?

There are actually things you can look for that might signal a CO problem. Look for:

• Rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney
• Loose or missing furnace panel
• Soot
• Loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections
• Debris or soot falling from chimney, fireplace or appliance
• Loose masonry on chimney
• Moisture inside windows

Can I monitor carbon monoxide in my home?

Yes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends using carbon monoxide detectors with labels showing they meet the requirements of the new Underwriters Laboratories, Inc (UL). The UL standards require detectors to sound an alarm when exposure to carbon monoxide reaches potentially hazardous levels.

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External Source U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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