What you should know about Carbon Monoxide (CO)
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, odorless poisonous gas that can be fatal when inhaled. It is the number one cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in the U.S.
Where does it come from?
CO gas is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned because of insufficient oxygen.
What could be sources of CO in my home?
- Any appliance that burns fuel, such as oil or natural gas, can create CO, such as:
- Heating furnaces
- Water heater
- Kitchen Range
- Portable kerosene or gas heaters
- Gas or wood burning fireplace
- Poor ventilation on any of the above, such as a clogged chimney or loose or corroding pipes on a furnace or a water heater.
- Operating a grill indoors or in a garage
- A car left running in the garage, even with the garage door open
Drafts can blow CO indoors and create hazardous conditions
How does CO affect me?
CO combines with hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying agent in red blood cells, and as a result those blood cells cannot carry oxygen into the body. When oxygen is robbed of the brain and other organs, death can result. In addition, up to 40% of survivors of severe CO poisoning develop memory impairment and other serious illnesses.
How can CO poisoning be prevented?
The use of UL listed CO detectors in every home with fuel burning appliances is recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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