Carbon Monoxide Can Pose a Hidden Danger

Carbon monoxide is produced by burning any fuel. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential CO source. When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little carbon monoxide. Improperly operating appliances can produce fatal concentrations in your home. Likewise, using charcoal indoors or running a car in a garage can cause CO poisoning.

SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING

The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:

* Dizziness

* Fatigue

* Headache

* Nausea

* Irregular breathing.

If you have any of these symptoms and if you feel better when you go outside your home and the symptoms reappear once you’re back inside, you may have CO poisoning.

CLUES YOU CAN SEE

* Rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney

* Loose or missing furnace panel

* Sooting

* Loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections

* Moisture inside of windows

CLUES YOU CANNOT SEE

* Internal appliance damage or malfunctioning components

* Improper burner adjustment

* Hidden blockage or damage in chimneys

SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE

* Room heater

* Furnace

* Charcoal grill

* Range

* Water heater

* Auto in closed garage

* Fireplace

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

* Make sure appliances are installed properly.

* Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually. Follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation.

* Notice problems that could indicate improper appliance operation, such as: decreasing hot water supply, furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly, sooting, unfamiliar or burning odor.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO

* Never burn charcoal indoors or in a garage.

* Never service appliances without proper knowledge, skills and tools.

* Never use the gas range or oven as home heating.

* Never leave a car running in a garage.

* Never operate unvented gas-burning appliances in a closed room.

* To report a product hazard or a product-related injury, write to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207, or call the toll-free hotline: (800) 638-2772.

Source: Consumer Products Safety Commission