What is Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that has no odor or color. But it is very dangerous. It can cause sudden illness and death. CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those made by cars and trucks, lanterns, stoves, gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these fumes can build up in places that don't have a good flow of fresh air. You can be poisoned by breathing them in. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are

•Headache
•Dizziness
•Weakness
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Chest pain
•Confusion

It is often hard to tell if someone has CO poisoning, because the symptoms may be like those of other illnesses, such as influenza. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. A CO detector can warn you if you have high levels of CO in your home.

Play It Safe

If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:

DO GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house. If your symptoms being to go away when you leave the house or building, it likely that you are suffering from CO poisoning and not another illness.

DO CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and tell the dispatcher you suspect CO poisoning if you have multiple symptoms present. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.

DO Be prepared to answer the following questions:

•Do your symptoms occur only in the house? Do they disappear or decrease when you leave home and reappear when you return?
•Is anyone else in your household complaining of similar symptoms? Did everyone’s symptoms appear about the same time?
•Are you using any fuel-burning appliances in the home?
•Has anyone inspected your appliances lately? Are you certain they are working properly?

Prevention is the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

DO have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves -- inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.

DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.

DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.

DON’T idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.

DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace.

DON'T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.

DON’T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.

DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.

CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The Hiram Fire Department recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall. Hard wired or plug-in CO alarms should have battery backup. Avoid locations that are near heating vents or that can be covered by furniture or draperies. The Hiram Fire Department does not recommend installing CO alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliances.

Where Should I Install A CO Alarm