Carbon Monoxide Posioning

What causes carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is produced from the incomplete burning of fuels that contain carbon, such as wood, charcoal, gasoline, coal, natural gas, or kerosene. Breathing carbon monoxide fumes decreases the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low levels of oxygen can lead to cell death, including cells in the vital organs such as the brain and heart. People with existing health problems such as anemia, heart disease, and lung disease are especially vulnerable, as are unborn babies, infants, children, pregnant women, and elderly persons.

How can you protect against carbon monoxide poisoning?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200 people each year die in the US from carbon monoxide poisoning that comes from fuel-burning appliances such as space heaters, furnaces, ranges, and water heaters. Burning charcoal inside a house, garage, vehicle, or tent is also responsible for carbon monoxide-related deaths. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the cause of several thousand visits to hospital emergency rooms each year.

Have your furnace and fireplace cleaned and inspected before each heating season. Have other fuel burning appliances checked regularly.
Use non-electrical space heaters only in well-ventilated areas.
Do not start or idle gas lawn mowers, cars, trucks, or other vehicles in an enclosed area, even with the garage doors open.
Vent fuel-burning appliances outside whenever possible.
Do not ever use a charcoal grill inside your home, garage, tent, or camper.
Do not use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas such as tents, campers, and other vehicles. This is especially important at high altitudes, where the risk of CO poisoning is increased.
Read and follow manufacturer instructions and precautions that come with any fuel-burning device.
Do not ever use a gas oven for heat inside your home.
Use an approved carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm inside your home.
When gasoline-powered generators are used to supply electricity, care should be taken to keep the generator a safe distance away from the home.