Carbon monoxide ( CO ) is an odorless, colorless, deadly gas. It kills by preventing oxygen from being transported throughout the body. ( Click here for a detaild description of how CO kills - didn't get the associated MSWord *.doc file for this link ).

Everyone is at risk of exposure, however, people with low red blood cell counts, heart or respiratory aliments as well as infants are at a higher risk.

Carbon monoxide is released from:

• automobiles
• furnaces
• gas stoves
• gas ranges
• space heaters
• charcoal grills
• fireplaces
• wood burning stoves
• any type of fuel burning appliance

Carbon monoxide usually is vented to the outside if appliances function correctly and the home is vented properly. Problems occur when furnace heat exchanger crack or vents and chimneys become blocked. Insulation sometimes can trap CO in the home.

The Consumer Product Safety recommend installing at least one carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm near the bedrooms. If a home has more than one story, a detector should be placed on each story.

Signs of CO poisoning -

1. Early
1. Headache
2. Fatigue
3. Confusion and irritability
4. Dizzy spells
5. Nausea
2. Late Stages
1. Seizures
2. Vomiting
3. Coma
4. Brain damage

To prevent CO Poisoning -

1. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and check it regularly to make sure the battery is working.
2. Never heat your home with a gas stove / gas range.
3. Barbecue grills should never be operated indoors under any circumstances nor should stove tops or ovens that operate on gas be used to heat a home.
4. Never use a charcoal grill or a hibachi in your home.
5. Never use a gas powered generator or a gas powered machine in the home or basement.
6. Make sure all fuel burning appliances are properly installed and maintained by a certified technician.
7. Never use a gas powered machine by an open window ( fumes can seep into the home ).
8. Always clear exhaust pipes from automobiles and trucks during snowstorms.
9. Make sure fireplace, chimneys and flues are checked and cleaned every year.
10. Never sit in a car or leave it running in a closed garage.
11. Be sure space heaters are vented properly. Unvented space heaters that use a flammable fuel such as kerosene can release carbon monoxide into the home.