Use & Care Guide

What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas. It is a common by-product of
incomplete combustion, produced when fossil fuels (like oil, gas or coal) burn.
Because you can’t see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you
know it’s there. Exposure to lower levels over time can make you sick.
Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous?
Carbon Monoxide robs you of what you need most: oxygen, which is carried to
your cells and tissue by the hemoglobin in your blood. If you inhale even small
amounts of CO, it quickly bonds with hemoglobin and displaces oxygen. This
produces a toxic compound in your blood called carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).
Carboxyhemoglobin produces flu-like symptoms, for example: headaches,
fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion, and irritability. Since symptoms are
similar to the flu, carbon monoxide poisoning can be misdiagnosed. As levels of
COHb rise, victims suffer vomiting, loss of consciousness, and eventually brain
damage or death.
Who is at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning?
Everyone is at risk because everyone needs oxygen to survive. Medical experts
believe some people are more vulnerable to CO poisoning: unborn babies,
infants, children, seniors, and people with heart and lung problems.
How can I help protect against carbon monoxide poisoning?
Early warning is important: Install one or more alarms The Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that every home have at least one
carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal installed near the sleeping
area. Choose a CO alarm that is Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Listed.
Look for the UL logo on the package.
Have your appliances checked regularly. Have a qualified appliance technician
check all fossil fuel burning appliances, venting and chimney systems at least
once a year, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Where should I look for potential sources of carbon monoxide in the
home?
o A forced air furnace is frequently the source of leaks and should be carefully
inspected by a professional.
o Have a professional measure the concentration of carbon monoxide in the
flue gases.