Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal when breathed. It is produced when combustion equipment is not working properly. Sources include unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, blocked chimneys or flues, gas dryer vented into the room, cars or other engines left running in garages, and cracked combustion chamber in the furnace.
It is sometimes difficult to determine if a person is experiencing carbon monoxide symptoms or if they are experiencing symptoms of the flu, food poisoning, or allergies. Low levels of carbon monoxide can cause nausea, dizziness, weakness and muscle aches. Higher doses can impair judgement, cause paralysis or coma, and death.
Carbon monoxide alarms alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. It is important to choose and place an alarm wisely and maintain it to assure accurate sensing of carbon monoxide. Experts recommend having your combustion heating systems inspected by a trained professional every year.
By: Brenda Langdon
