Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety

Although the popularity of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms has been growing in recent years, it cannot be assumed that everyone is familiar with the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home.

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Know the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:

Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness

More than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental nonfire-related carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless and odorless gas. CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as a furnace, heater or generator, is not working or vented properly. Breathing in CO at high levels can be fatal.

Learn what you can do to protect your family from the dangers of CO.

Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of CO.
Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.
Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents.
Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety

More than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental nonfire-related carbon monoxide poisoning.

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