Category: Carbon Monoxide

Everything You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide

6/15/2020

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal. We recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector if you have appliances which burn fuel that produces carbon monoxide gas.

Facts and Figures

480 U.S. residents died between 2001 and 2003 from non-fire-related carbon-monoxide poisoning.
Most CO exposures occur during the winter months, especially in December (including 56 deaths, and 2,157 non-fatal exposures), and in January (including 69 deaths and 2,511 non-fatal exposures). The peak time of day for CO exposure is between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m.
Many experts believe that CO poisoning statistics understate the problem. Since the symptoms of CO poisoning mimic a range of common health ailments, it is likely that many mild to mid-level exposures are never identified, diagnosed, or accounted for in carbon monoxide statistics.
Out of all reported non-fire carbon-monoxide incidents, 89% or almost 9 out of 10 of them take place in a home.

Do You Know the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

1/7/2016

Now that that the winter temperatures have arrived, know the warning signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning if you have gas burning appliances.

Do you know the symptoms of CO poisoning?

People –

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Irregular breathing
Feeling tired or ill at home but fine away from home
Loss of consciousness and respiratory failure.

Buildings –

Foul-smelling or stale air
The smell of exhaust fumes
Large areas of condensation or water vapor on walls or windows

What’s the best prevention?

Be sure all fuel-burning equipment is installed and operated properly

Have equipment inspected annually by a qualified professional
Provide adequate ventilation in your home
Never burn charcoal indoors or in an enclosed space
Open your garage door before starting vehicles

The surest way to know if there is carbon monoxide in your home is to use a Carbon Monoxide detector. If you suspect CO poisoning or a natural gas leak, leave the building immediately and call 911.

Your safety matters to us!

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