What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a clear and odorless gas, poisonous to humans and animals, which is both naturally occurring and a byproduct of man-made combustion. Defective furnaces, fireplaces, flues and oil heaters are most frequently responsible for accidental CO poisonings. Improperly vented, obstructed or malfunctioning home home appliances can slowly fill your home with CO.
In the United States, CO leaks are responsible for more than 400 deaths a year and more than 20,000 trips to the emergency room, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, as CO poisoning often goes unreported, the number of instances is most likely much higher.
How to spot carbon monoxide buildup
- A decrease in hot water supply.
- An increase in moisture on windows.
- An obstructed, loose or disconnected chimney.
- Black soot on fuel-burning appliances and vents.
- Rust or water on vents or chimney.
- A loose or missing furnace panel.
What are some signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
CO is dangerous because there tend to be no noticeable symptoms if an individual's CO levels are at less than 10% in the bloodstream. CO poisoning symptoms may mimic the flu or a cold. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, symptoms may include:
- Low to moderate poisoning:
- headache
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- dizziness
- Severe poisoning:
- confusion
- vomiting
- loss of muscle coordination
- unconsciousness
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Taking a small amount of time to manage your home's risks can help protect you and your family.
- Have your furnace inspected and maintained by a qualified contractor once a year. This should be done before the start of the heating months.
- Have your gas appliances inspected at the same time as your furnace to ensure they are operating correctly.
- Keep in mind that space heaters, ovens, portable generators and other gasoline-powered engines can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide and should be well ventilated.
If you suspect the appliance or tool you're using might be causing a buildup of CO, play it safe and open a window. If you're working in the garage, open the door. Ventilation is a sure way to disperse a buildup of the gas.
Carbon monoxide detector placement in your home
In addition to smoke detectors, install a CO detector on each level of your home, in or near each sleeping area and near attached garages. You can also hook them up to a smart home system to send a message to your smartphone if it is detected when you're not at home. While you shouldn't rely solely on CO detectors, having them properly placed throughout your home is important.
Try to keep the detectors at least 15 to 20 feet from any fuel-burning appliances and at least 10 feet from high humidity locations like bathrooms and kitchens, as moisture can sometimes trigger faulty readings. Test the batteries of your detector regularly, and if an alarm sounds, call a professional to check your gas-burning appliances.
What do I do if my carbon monoxide detector goes off?
1. Exit the house immediately.
2. Check everyone for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Call 911.
4. Do not re-enter your home until authorities have cleared it.
Visit the CDC website for more information about carbon monoxide poisoning.
