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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, DC 20207
Govt. Printing Office: 1993 0-356-764
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NOTE:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests that if you suspect that you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave the house. You could lose consciousness and die from carbon monoxide poisoning if you do nothing. It is also important to contact a doctor IMMEDIATELY for a proper diagnosis. Remember to tell your doctor that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important.
Proper attention and maintenance of combustion appliances in the home is most important in reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A carbon monoxide detector can provide added protection, but is no
substitute for proper use and upkeep of potential carbon monoxide sources. No detector is 100% reliable, and some individuals may experience health problems at levels of carbon monoxide below the detection sensitivity of these devices.
If you have questions about carbon monoxide or other indoor air quality concerns, call the Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse [IAQINFO] at 1-800-438-4318, or write them at IAQ INFO, P.O. Box 37133, Washington, DC 20013-7133 or via e-mail at: iaqinfo@aol.com.
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Can you tell what it is?
Every year, nearly 300 people in the Unites States die from this toxic gas. Can you tell - can you
smell - what gas it is?
The Answer
You probably couldn't guess the answer from the "scratch and sniff." That's because the poisonous gas that kills nearly 300 people in their homes each year has no smell. What's more, it has no taste and no color.
The gas is carbon monoxide (CO), and it is truly a "senseless" killer.
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Contents
What
is Carbon Monoxide?
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Clues You Can See
Clues You Cannot See
What Can You Do?
What You Should Not Do
Carbon monoxide is produced by burning any fuel. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential CO source.
When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little CO. Improperly operating appliances can produce fatal CO concentrations in your home. Likewise, using charcoal indoors or running a car in a garage can cause CO poisoning.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill you.
The initial symptoms of CO are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Irregular breathing
Remember, if you have any of these symptoms
and if you feel better when you go outside your home and the symptoms reappear
once you're back inside, you may have CO poisoning.
- 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
| SOURCES OF AND CLUES TO A
POSSIBLE CARBON MONOXIDE PROBLEM
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- Room Heater
- Furnace
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Charcoal Grill
- Range
- Water Heater
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Auto in closed garage
- Fireplace
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- Internal appliance damage or malfunctioning components
- Improper burner adjustment
- Hidden blockage or damage in chimney
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ONLY
A Trained Service Technician can detect hidden problems
and correct these conditions!
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- 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.
- Follow manufacturer's directions for safe operation.
- Examine vents and chimney regularly for improper connections, visible rust or stains.
- Notice problems that could indicate improper appliance operation:
- Decreasing hot water supply
- Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly
- Sooting, especially on appliances
- Unfamiliar or burning odor
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Install a CO Detector
for Added Safety
Must meet the requirements of UL 2034
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- Never burn charcoal indoors or in a garage.
- Never service appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools.
- Never use the gas range or oven for heating.
- Never leave a car running in a garage.
- Never operate unvented gas-burning appliances in a closed room.
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