GoGeisel.com - Carbon Monoxide Facts

About 200 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with home fuel-burning heating equipment.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned.

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Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO) and How is it Produced in the Home?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquified petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal, or wood may produce CO. Burning charcoal produces CO. Running cars produce CO.

How Many People are Unintentionally Poisoned by CO?

Every year, over 200 people in the United States die from CO produced by fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters). Several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment for CO poisoning.

What Are the Sources of Carbon Monoxide?

What Are the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Many people with CO poisoning mistake their symptoms for the flu or are misdiagnosed by physicians, which sometimes results in tragic deaths.

What Are Some CO Clues You Can or Cannot See?

Clues You Can See:
- Rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney
- Loose or missing furnace panel
- Sooting
- Loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections
- Debris or soot falling from chimney, fireplace, or appliance
- Loose masonry on chimney
- Moisture inside of windows

Clues You Cannot See:
- Internal appliance damage or malfunctioning components
- Improper burner adjustment
- Hidden blockage or damage in chimneys

What Should You Do to Prevent CO Poisoning?

Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals. Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
Install a CO detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard. A carbon monoxide detector/alarm can provide added protection, but is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO. Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the detector cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.
Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools. Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning appliances.
Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home.
Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors or windows or in any room where people are sleeping.

What Should You Do if You Are Experiencing Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave the house. Call your fire department and report your symptoms. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning when you are operating fuel-burning appliances. Before turning your fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure a qualified serviceperson checks them for malfunction.