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Carbon
monoxide is the most common cause of death by poison in the United States,
killing more than 500 people every year. It is one of the most dangerous
poisons because often people don't know it is present until it is too late. The
best way to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning is
to buy a carbon monoxide (sometimes referred to as CO) detector for your home.
A properly working carbon monoxide detector can provide an early warning before
deadly gases build up to dangerous levels. If you live in a home that is two
stories or more, you might want to install two.
For
more information, see the "Is
it Flu or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?" page.
If
you notice these symptoms and suspect that carbon monoxide is the cause, leave
the area immediately and get outside to fresh air. Call 9-1-1 and seek medical
help.
Be
reminded: Installing a carbon monoxide detector does not eliminate the need to
have a smoke alarm in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors do not detect smoke
and smoke alarms do not sense carbon monoxide.
CO poisoning is the leading cause
of accidental poisoning deaths in America.
(Source: Centers for Disease Control)
(Source: Centers for Disease Control)
Facts
·
CO is a produced anytime a fuel is burned. Potential sources
include gas or oil furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, clothes dryers,
barbecue grills, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, gas ovens, generators and car
exhaust fumes.
·
Every year more than 10,000 people die or seek medical attention
due to CO poisoning from home-related products. (Source: Consumer Product
Safety Commission)
·
More than two-thirds of Americans use gas, wood, kerosene or
another fuel as their home's major heat source.
·
65% of CO poisoning deaths from consumer products are due to
heating systems.
·
Only 27% of homes in America have carbon monoxide alarms,
according to recent industry research.
·
An idling vehicle in an attached garage, even with the garage
door opened, can produce concentrated amounts of CO that can enter your home
through the garage door or nearby windows.
·
CO poisoning deaths from portable generators have doubled for
the past two years, and many of these deaths occurred in the winter months and
during power outages.
·
A poorly maintained gas stove can give off twice the amount of
CO than one in good working order.
Prevention
·
Install at least one battery-powered CO alarm or AC-powered unit
with battery backup on each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
·
Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other
fuel-burning appliances annually.
·
Install fuel-burning appliances properly and operate according
to the manufacturer's instructions.
·
Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to
ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually.
·
Do not block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by
water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
·
Do not leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
·
Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
·
Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors
near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
·
Check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Do they use the
most accurate sensing technology? Do they need new batteries?
Replace
CO alarms every five to seven years in order to benefit from the latest
technology upgrades.
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