CARBON MONOXIDE

- What is carbon monoxide? - Where is carbon monoxide found? - Why should you be concerned? - What should you do? - Carbon Monoxide Poison Safety Tips - More Information Print This Page

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE? (Return to Top)

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. You cannot see, taste or smell carbon monoxide. It is released when fuels such as wood, oil or gasoline are not burned completely.

WHERE IS CARBON MONOXIDE FOUND? (Return to Top)

Carbon monoxide may come from fuel burning appliances around the house, including:

• Oil, wood or gas furnaces
• Gas stoves and driers
• Gas space heaters
• Gas and oil water heaters
• Gasoline powered vehicles and tools
• Charcoal grills
• Candles and gas lanterns

WHY SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED? (Return to Top)

Carbon monoxide is a poison that prevents the body from using oxygen correctly. When it is breathed in, you may get a headache and an upset stomach. You may vomit or get dizzy. It may seem like you have the flu. More serious signs may include feeling tired, confused and having irregular heartbeat. Severe poisoning can cause convulsions, unconsciousness, brain damage and death. A very large amount of the gas can kill someone in only a few minutes.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? (Return to Top)

If you think carbon monoxide is filling the area, have everyone leave the building immediately. Leave doors open as you go and shut off heating and cooking appliances. Once you are out of danger, call your local fire department or the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for anyone to feel, look or get sick. Get immediate medical attention if anyone shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. You can call the poison control center 24 hours a day to get free advice about poison safety and treatment.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISON SAFETY TIPS (Return to Top)

• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every floor of your home.
• Select alarms listed by an independent testing laboratory and follow the recommendations for placement in the home.
• Install alarm on the wall, ceiling, or other location as specified by the manufacturer's instructions that come with the unit.
• Test carbon monoxide alarms once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions
• Replace carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Have all chimneys and chimney connectors checked by a qualified professional to be sure of proper installation, and check for cracks, blockages, or leaks. Make needed repairs before using the equipment.
• Have fuel burning household heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, and space or portable heaters) checked every year before cold weather sets in.
• When purchasing new heating and cooking equipment, select factory-built products approved by an independent testing laboratory. Hire a qualified professional (usually employed by the local oil or gas company) to install the equipment. Be sure to follow applicable fire safety and local building codes.
• Before enclosing central heating equipment in a smaller room, check with your fuel supplier to ensure that air for proper combustion is provided.
• Do not use an oven or gas stovetop to heat the house.
• Do not leave a space heater or the stove on or fireplace burning while you are sleeping.
• When using a fireplace, be sure the flue is open for adequate ventilation.
• Only use gas or charcoal grills (which produce carbon monoxide) outside. Never use them in the home, garage, trailers, motor homes or tents.
• Never run a vehicle, generator or other fueled engine or motor indoors or in a garage, even if the garage door is open. If you need to warm up a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it.
• Do not sleep in a parked car while the engine is running.
• Have your car's exhaust system inspected for leaks.
• When you run a gas powered lawn mower or tool, make sure there is good air flow.
• Know the difference between the sound of the smoke alarms and the sound of the carbon monoxide alarms. Test the different sounds that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make.

MORE INFORMATION (Return to Top)

For more information, call the IPC at 1-800-222-1222 (TTY/TDD 312-906-6185) or visit www.IllinoisPoisonCenter.org.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.