Recognize the Signs - Carbon Monoxide
What is carbon monoxide
- Carbon monoxide “CO” is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, gas that can kill you
- It is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in vehicles, small engines such as generators, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, and gas appliances such as ranges, dryers, and furnaces
- CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals exposed to it
Symptoms of CO poisoning
- Headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion
- These symptoms mimic other illnesses so it is important to distinguish the cause of your symptoms promptly
- If you have any gas appliances, burn fuels, or use a fireplace, be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector installed to detect the gas early
How can I prevent CO poisoning in my home?
- Install a CO detector
- Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year
- Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors
- If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator have an expert service it
- When you buy gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories
- Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly
- Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year
- Never patch a vent pipe with tape, gum, or other products.
- Never use a gas range or oven for heating
- Never burn charcoal indoors
- Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors
- Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet away from any window, door, or vent
- When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home
How can I prevent CO poisoning in my car?
- Have a mechanic check the exhaust system of your vehicle every year
- Never run your vehicle inside a garage that is attached to a house even with the garage door open
- If you drive a vehicle with a tailgate, make sure to open windows in the vehicle to vent CO pulled in from the exhaust
- If you are parked, make sure the exhaust is not blocked and that there is proper ventilation pulling the exhaust away from the vehicle
- Published: December 13, 2021
- Page reviewed/updated: August 16, 2023
