Healthy Homes
carbon monoxide
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
1. Turn off appliances that start making different noises, start sooting,
producing a yellow or orange flame, or smell funny. Call a repair man.
2. Read the instructions that came with your appliances to make sure they are
properly vented.
3. Keep wood, paper, cloth, and other flammables away from heating
appliances.
4. 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.
5. Improper insulation and weather-striping can block ventilation. Call a
heating contractor to make sure it’s done right.
6. If your smoke or CO detector alarm goes off, or if you smell gas, get out
and call 911.
Carbon Monoxide web links and contact information: