Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
No discussion of fire safety would be complete without acknowledging the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO). Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible, and poisonous gas resulting from combustion of fossil fuels such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil; the very fuels that power our furnaces, fireplaces, ranges, automobiles, and more. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 400-500 persons die each year due to fatal encounters with CO gas. Preventing this all too common tragedy should be first on every homeowner’s list of “Do’s and Don’ts.”
A Do and Don't Guide to Carbon Monoxide
Do install a battery operated CO alarm on each floor of your home and replace the battery when you change your clocks each Spring and Fall. Choose a model that measures low levels of CO.
Don’t run a vehicle inside a garage attached to your home, even if you leave the door open. Fumes can build up very quickly.
Do have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced annually by a qualified technician. Even new furnaces need maintenance.
Don’t use any fossil fuel powered engines in enclosed spaces, home, garage, or outbuilding. This would include mowers, snow blowers, generators, charcoal grills, camp stoves, etc.
Do maintain all fossil fuel powered engines in good working order and ventilate properly.
Don’t ever burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not intended for such use.
Do ensure wood/pellet burning stove doors fit tightly and gaskets are not damaged. Remember to open flues when in use.
Don’t heat your house with a gas oven, even for a short time.
Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning, are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous. Do not ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them.
The symptoms of CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because they mimic other common maladies like headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. While everyone is at risk, certain groups of people are more so than others. Unborn babies, infants, elderly, persons with respiratory issues or anemia are more susceptible. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, fatalities are highest for Americans ages 65 and older.
Never take chances with any device that is designed to produce energy through fossil fuel combustion. The potential effects of over exposure to CO may be permanent.
