Carbon Monoxide: It's Odorless and Deadly

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that each year claims more than 2,100 lives, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Additionally, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reports approximately 10,000 people annually seek medical attention for unintentional CO poisoning caused by a house-related appliance.

Source of Carbon Monoxide

• Fuel-burning household appliances are potential sources of CO poisoning. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for these appliances to be working properly.
• Do not leave your vehicle idling in an attached garage. The CO gas can seep into your home through doors and floorboards.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, sleepiness, fatigue/weakness, and disorientation or confusion.
• High concentration levels of CO can be fatal in a matter of minutes.

Prevention

• Install CO alarms with a battery backup on every level of a home and in sleeping areas.
• If a CO alarm sounds in your home, never ignore it. Get your family out of the house immediately and open the windows to allow the CO to dissipate.
• Call emergency personnel from a neighbor's home or a cell phone once you are out of the house.