PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE RISK

HOW TO ENSURE CARBON MONOXIDE HOME SAFETY

DANGER

The need for heat from fireplaces or furnaces can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. The following information will help you keep your family safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide.

INSPECTION

Ensure that the exhaust gases vent properly from the central home heating unit. When the furnace is on, check for good airflow, indicated by heat ripples or whites haze emitting from the attached flue. Other sources to check are: water heaters, clothes dryers, ranges, stoves, gas space heaters, and wood stoves.

DETECTION

Buy detectors with constant carbon monoxide air concentration display Buy carbon monoxide detectors with three to five year usage ranges.

WHAT IS IT?

Carbon monoxide is gas that is odorless, colorless, poisonous, and produced by the combustion of organic materials such as fuels, wood, or other substances, which contains carbon. While very high gas levels produce comas and death, the following are the symptoms lower gas levels produce.

Low doses: Flu like symptoms such as: headache, fatigue, and nausea.

Higher doses: Severe headaches and loss of muscle control.

Services:

Most cities have Environmental Services Divisions that offer indoor air quality testing for the presence of carbon monoxide. This is usually a free service.