The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide.

With cooler weather upon us, it’s important to remember the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims the lives of more than 400 people annually in the United States and sends thousands more to emergency rooms.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless and colorless gas that is toxic to humans and animals.  Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the silent killer because it cannot be seen, smelled or heard.  Because humans cannot detect CO with their senses, carbon monoxide can kill you before you are aware it is affecting you.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, low levels of CO exposure cause mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu.  These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue.

Carbon monoxide may be generated from various sources including portable generators, unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, wood and gas stoves, charcoal grills, gas water heaters, motor vehicles, wood burning fireplaces and generators.  CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.  People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

A battery-powered or battery back-up CO detector can help save your life.  It is recommended that you change the batteries in your CO detector every six months.  Install at least one CO alarm with an audible warning alarm near the sleeping areas of your home.  Insure the alarm has been evaluated by a recognized laboratory, such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). 

The following safety tips are provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the CDC.  For more detailed information, check out their websites or read the EPA’s publications.

Here are a few things not to do:

Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove in an enclosed space such as a home, garage, tent, or camper.  Even if the door is open, the CO may not be properly ventilated.

Never keep a motor vehicle running in the garage or any enclosed area.

Never use a range or oven to help heat your home.

Never use a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas.  Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

Here are a few things you should do:

Keep vents and flues free from debris, especially if winds are high.  Flying debris can block ventilation lines.

Have a qualified professional check all fuel-burning appliances and furnaces at least once per year.

Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.

Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.