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- Carbon Monoxide -
The Silent Killer

     Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas that can  be released by common household appliances. It kills dozens of  Canadians each year, and injures many more. Many of those killed  or injured are asleep at the time of exposure. Carbon monoxide  does not wake you; it puts you into a deeper sleep, and prolonged  exposure can lead to brain damage, and ultimately, death.
     The long, cold Canadian winters increase the threat of carbon  monoxide poisoning because heating appliances are a major source  of the deadly gas. Carbon monoxide is known as "the great  imitator'' because low levels of poisoning mimic flu or food  poisoning symptoms, ranging from headaches and nausea, to  dizziness and fatigue. Misdiagnosis can send a person unwittingly  back to a hazardous environment.
     The deadly gases can leak into the home because of  incomplete combustion when a fuel-burning device is poorly  maintained, improperly vented or simply breaks down.
     Any appliance or heating device in the home that runs on a  combustible fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is  capable of causing a carbon monoxide problem. Additionally, a car  left running in an attached garage can leak deadly gases into the  home.
     Other potential sources include clogged or blocked chimney  openings, inadequate venting of appliances, malfunctioning  propane refrigerators, and operating a barbecue in an enclosed  area. Many of the accidental deaths caused by carbon monoxide  are the result of such accidents in the home. Modem, energy  efficient homes, which trap heat, can also add to the threat of  poisoning, by trapping carbon monoxide.
     You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, so there is no way to  prevent injuries or death without a reliable detection device. The  Carbon Monoxide Detector is a new device that looks very much  like a smoke alarm. If the alarm sounds, ventilate your home  immediately by opening doors and windows. Then, check to see if  anyone in your home is experiencing the adverse affects of CO  poisoning - headache, dizziness, nausea or other flu-like  symptoms. If anyone in the house has any symptoms, call the fire  department and evacuate the house. If no one is experiencing  these symptoms, continue ventilating your home, and turn off all  fuel-burning appliances and call a qualified technician to inspect  and repair the problem. Never ignore a CO detector that has  alarmed. It is recommended that each residence be equipped with  at least one carbon monoxide detector, located near the sleeping  area.

     There are several health-related clues that will alert you to the possibility that you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. They are:

  • Persistent severe headaches.
  • Dizziness, blurred vision.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Confusion, disorientation, loss of muscle control.
  • Sleepiness, but never feeling rested.
  • Rapid heart beat, pulse, or a tightening of the chest.
  • Chest pain (angina) when exercising.
  • Fainting, unconsciousness.
  • Feeling sick and tired at home, but fine out of the house.
If you experience any one or a combination of these symptoms you should have your house checked for the presence of CO.

Here are some tips on how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:
1. Have a qualified service technician check the furnace and other fuel-burning equipment for efficiency.
2. Make sure a wood or coal burning stove is properly installed and vented.
3. Don't operate a gasoline powered engine, kerosene stove or charcoal grill in a closed space.
4. Clean and inspect your chimneys regularly.
5. Barbecue grills should never be operated indoors.
6. Check clothes dryer vents that open outside the house for lint.
7. Check forced air fans for proper ventilation.

If you suspect CO in your home, get out right away and call the fire department.

Potential CO Sources in the Home

Quick CO Facts

  • What is it: A colorless odorless, tasteless gas.
  • Signs: Stuffy air, water vapor. Back draft and soot from a fireplace.
  • Symptoms: Headaches, weakness, nausea, vomiting and loss of muscle control. Can be confused with the flu.
  • Effects: If inhaled, carbon monoxide takes away oxygen from the blood, prolonged exposure can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage or death.
  • Causes: Blocked or dirty vents, flues, chimneys and furnaces, improper ventilation while burning fireplaces or woodstoves.
  • Deaths: Approximately 200 per year, according to the Canada Safety Council.
  • Prevention: Annual inspection and cleaning of furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces and other equipment such as dryers. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector.

CO Death Graph