Specification
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
• Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas that can be
fatal when inhaled.
• It is sometimes called the "silent killer."
• CO inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen.
• CO can be produced when burning any fuel, such as gasoline, propane, natural
gas, oil and wood.
• CO is a by-product of incomplete combustion. If you have fire, you have CO.
Where does Carbon Monoxide (CO) come from?
• Any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning or improperly installed.
• Furnaces, gas range/stove, gas clothes dryer, water heater, portable fuel-burning
space heaters, fireplaces, generators and wood burning stoves.
• Vehicles, generators and other combustion engines running in an attached garage.
• Blocked chimney or flue.
• Cracked or loose furnace exchanger.
• Back drafting and changes in air pressure.
• Operating a grill in an enclosed space.
What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning?
• Initial symptoms are similar to the flu with no fever and can include dizziness,
severe headaches, nausea, sleepiness, fatigue/weakness and
disorientation/confusion.
What are the effects of being exposed to Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
• Common Mild Exposure - Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, flu-like
symptoms.
• Common Medium Exposure - Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast
heart rate.
• Common Extreme Exposure - Convulsions, unconsciousness, brain damage, heart
and lung failure followed by death.
• If you experience even mild CO poisoning symptoms, immediately consult a
physician!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide is the #1 cause of accidental
poisoning deaths in the United States.