Typical Household Detector

Carbon Monoxide

Every fall and winter, the number of incidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning rises due to the increased use of furnaces and heating appliances. Carbon monoxide is a silent threat; it is tasteless and odorless, but can cause serious consequences, even death. In fact, carbon monoxide poisoning in the leading cause of poisoning fatalities in the United States. Carbon monoxide in homes is most often the result of improper use of water heaters, gas or oil heaters, furnaces, and ovens. Before attempting to heat your house in the winter, make sure to take some simple steps to keep you and your family safe and healthy:

• Make sure heating appliances and furnaces are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Watch for cracks on heat exchangers on furnaces.
• Make sure there is an adequate fresh air supply to your furnace.
• Check for blockages in your chimney and flue. Check also for rust or loose connections.
• NEVER leave space heaters on overnight. Do not keep them in the bedroom or any room in which you sleep.
• NEVER use an oven as a heater in your home.
• NEVER burn charcoal inside.
• Make sure you are familiar with the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Get away from the source immediately if you recognize any of the symptoms in yourself or your family members.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vision problems
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Rapid breathing

In some severe cases, symptoms can last for weeks or months. Some cases may even result in permanent brain or heart damage, or death. Those most at risk of serious effects or fatality from carbon monoxide are very young children/babies, the elderly, and people with lung disease. If you feel that there is a possibility you are being affected by carbon monoxide, your first action should be going outside for fresh air. See your doctor immediately and let him or her know you think you may have carbon monoxide poisoning. Once the carbon monoxide has been flushed from the body with oxygen, most people will recover completely.

Potential Hazards