Carbon Monoxide: Protect Against the “Invisible Killer”

Each year, at least 420 Americans die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and more than 100,000 are hospitalized. CO is referred to as the "Invisible Killer," because you can't see this odorless, tasteless gas.

As the weather grows colder and families spend more time indoors, now is a great time to learn how to keep you and your family safe by preventing CO exposure and knowing the signs of CO poisoning.

How is Carbon Monoxide Produced?

CO is primarily produced by the improper operation or ventilation of appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, ovens, fireplaces, fuel space heaters, generators, and charcoal grills that are fueled by oil, propane, natural gas, wood, kerosene, gasoline, and diesel. Appliances that run on electricity do not produce carbon monoxide.

CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals. If CO is present in your home, you may notice unusually high indoor humidity, persistent heavy condensation on walls and windows, stuffy or stale indoor air, and soot or water collecting near a burner or vent.

What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, and stinging/burning of the eyes. The symptoms often are described as flu-like symptoms. Prolonged exposure can cause loss of consciousness and death. High concentrations of CO can kill in less than five minutes. People who are sleeping can die from CO poisoning before experiencing symptoms.

How Can I Keep Myself and My Family Safe?

• The best defense against CO poisoning is to install/have an Underwriter Laboratories-listed audible CO alarm on every level of your home or business. The alarm will go off if CO is detected. Place these alarms on every floor of your house, especially where you and your family sleep, and check the batteries when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.
• If the alarms go off, or if you experience any CO symptoms and suspect a problem, leave your house immediately, call 9-1-1 for medical attention, and stay out of the house until the problem has been corrected. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
• Get appliances serviced. Have your furnace, water heater, and any other gas, oil, wood, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• If your garage is attached to your home, don't leave your gas-powered car or truck idling inside - even if the garage door is open.
• During a power outage, never use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, kerosene, propane, or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage. Never burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented to the outside air.