Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

How is carbon monoxide (CO) produced?

Carbon monoxide is produced when fossil fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, and others are burned. Carbon monoxide can build up in your home without your knowledge because carbon monoxide is oderless and colorless.

What types of appliances can product carbon monoxide?

There are many types of appliances that can produce carbon monoxide. Appliances such as your furnace, boiler, fireplace, gas dryer, grill, cars, small gasoline engines and many more.

It is it important to have these appliances and venting systems for them check regularly for defects. Specific to our trade, having your chimneys, fireplaces and stoves cleaned and inspected regularly by a certified professional. Many of our members also clean and inspect dryer vents for blockages that can cause fires and/or carbon monoxide.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Often the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are described as "flu-like" symptoms. Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion are common effects of carbon monoxide poisioning. People who have consumed excess alcohol, drugs or people who are sleeping can die before they even have these symptoms.

Helpful Links about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

There are a few great ways to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

1. Quality, battery backup carbon monoxide detectors installed on every level of your home.
2. Just like your smoke detector, you should check, test and replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.
3. Have your chimney, fireplace, stove, and dryer vents inspected and/or cleaning annually.
4. Have your home heating appliances such as your furnace, boiler and water heater's vent pipes/chimneys checked for proper installation and deterioration.
5. There are many more ways to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. For your convenience, we have provided some informational links below.

The Center for Disease Control(CDC) Carbon Monoxide Information Page

The Mayo Clinic Carbon Monoxide Information Page

United States Fire Administration Carbon Monoxide Page