Public Safety - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas often called the “silent killer.” It is invisible, odorless, tasteless, and impossible to detect without an alarm. CO can build up quickly and cause serious illness or death, without warning.

Where Does CO come from?

Any fuel-burning appliance or engine can produce carbon monoxide if it is not operating or venting properly, including:

• Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces

• Gas water heaters

• Fuel-fired furnaces

• Gas stoves and dryers

• Charcoal grills

• Vehicles

• Gas-powered generators

• Lawn equipment such as mowers, snowblowers, and chainsaws

Image by USCPSC via CPSC.gov

What does a CO alarm sound like?

• Intermittent chirping every 30–60 seconds

Usually indicates a low battery or a malfunction. Replace the battery or check the unit. Make it a habit to replace batteries annually.

• Four loud beeps followed by a pause

  This is an emergency CO alarm.

  • If no one has symptoms, open doors and windows to ventilate the home.

  • Turn off fuel-burning appliances if it is safe to do so.

  • Reset the alarm.

  • If the alarm will not reset, contact a qualified technician for inspection.

    
    

If anyone experiences symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the home immediately, get fresh air and call 9-1-1.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Acute Exposure:

Headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain, nausea, lack of coordination, seizures, collapse, unconsciousness

Chronic Exposure:

Flu symptoms without a fever, mood or behavior changes, recurring unexplained illnesses, feeling better away from the site of the poisoning, gaps in memory, chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating or confusion.

How to Prevent CO Poisoning

The only reliable way to detect carbon monoxide before symptoms occur is to install CO alarms.

Additional prevention tips include:

• Install fuel-burning appliances according to manufacturer instructions and by qualified professionals.

• Have heating systems inspected and serviced annually.

• Check chimneys and vents for blockages, corrosion or loose connections.

• Fully open flues when using fireplaces.

• Use only proper fuel in space heaters.

• Never burn charcoal or use grills indoors or in enclosed spaces.

• Never use portable fuel-burning camp equipment indoors, in garages, vehicles or tents.

• Never run vehicles or lawn equipment in an attached garage, even with the door open.

• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in sleeping areas.

• Never use ovens or stoves to heat your home.

• Do not block or close exhaust or dryer vents.

Carbon monoxide alarms save lives. If you don’t have one, or if yours is outdated (typical lifespan is 5-10 years), now is the time to install or replace it.

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Credit: cpsc.gov, usfa.fema.gov, nfpa.org, iafc.org, doh.wa.gov