Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by an odorless and colorless gas, and poses a very harmful threat. Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill you. But in many cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented.

Carbon monoxide is produced by burning any fuel. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential source. Poisoning comes from inhaling enough of the gas that it replaces oxygen in the blood.

Space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, wood stoves, and water heaters are all leading sources of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can escape if these devices leak or are poorly vented. Exhaust from a car parked in a closed garage can also be a source.

According to one recent study, 67% of households use gas, wood, kerosene, coal, or fuel as their major heating source. These fuels release carbon monoxide when burned. More than 100,000 medical visits each year are caused by old or poorly serviced heating sources.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu, but without fever. They include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Irregular breathing

If you have any of these symptoms -- and if you feel better when you go outside your home, but the symptoms reappear once you're back inside -- you may have carbon monoxide poisoning.

If carbon monoxide poisoning is known or suspected:

• Get out of the building or car where the carbon monoxide is present.
• Keep still. (This will conserve oxygen in the blood, which is already at a low level because carbon monoxide has partially replaced it.)
• It is important that you get treated right away. At the hospital, you will probably get oxygen therapy through a mask.

Tips for Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Install at least one smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home and near bedrooms.
• Have a professional inspect, clean, and tune up the central heating system and repair leaks.
• Monitor appliances, chimneys, and vents for visible soot, rust, stains, blockage, or corrosion. Also have them inspected each year. When in use, make sure they vent properly to allow gas to escape from enclosed areas. Don't close the fireplace or stove damper before the fire is completely out.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Hire a professional to clean your chimney at least once a year.
• Make sure wood stoves meet fire codes and have been checked by a recognized testing laboratory like Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
• Burn only wood and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and embers.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Use space heaters in well-ventilated areas.
• Don't use a gas kitchen oven to heat your home. Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
• Don't burn charcoal or use a grill indoors.
• Don't use paint remover that has methylene chloride in it, especially when children are around. (Methylene chloride converts to carbon monoxide in the body.)