Carbon monoxide - One of the most common causes of accidental poisoning in the United States

Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no color, odor or taste, carbon monoxide bonds with the hemoglobin in the blood, displacing oxygen.

Common home appliances such as gas or oil furnaces, clothes dryers, ranges, space heaters and wood stoves produce carbon monoxide. Early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning can resemble food poisoning or influenza.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Symptoms may include:
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Faster heart rate

Depending upon the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air and the length of exposure, the next stages can produce:
• Unconsciousness
• Convulsions
• Brain damage
• Death

Young children and pets may be the first to be affected.

If you think you have a carbon monoxide problem in your home:
• Contact your local fire department.
• Turn off the furnace or other appliance that could be causing the problem.
• Open doors and windows.
• Call your utility company or a licensed service technician and have the problem fixed before
restarting appliances.
Tips for Prevention
• Check flues, chimneys and vents often to make sure they are clear of snow, ice and other debris.
• Do not block the furnace air intake.
• Do not use a gas range or oven for home heating.
• Do not adjust pilot lights yourself.
• Do not leave a vehicle running inside a garage, and never leave the door between the house and garage open if the vehicle is running.
• Start snow blowers outside rather than inside a garage or storage shed.

What NOT to do when your Heater Fails
• Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
• Never use a charcoal grill or a barbecue grill indoors.
• Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors.
• Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window, door, or vent.