Safety Information

Carbon Monoxide

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is odorless, colorless, tasteless and non-irritating. CO results from the incomplete combustion of organic materials such as gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, charcoal, diesel fuel, heating oil and almost any other combustible material, such as tobacco and paper. When breathed into the body, CO combines with the body's blood and prevents it from absorbing oxygen. (Based on information from the American Gas Association).

Symptoms of CO poisoning 

• Flu-like symptoms              
• Headaches              
• Drowsiness              
• Ringing sensation in the ears              
• Nausea              
• Blurred vision              
• Chest pains              
• Light-headedness or dizziness

Heavy or prolonged exposure 

• Loss of consciousness              
• Convulsions (can cause brain damage or death)

Protecting yourself 

• Make sure all gas appliances are installed correctly and have them checked annually for continued safety.              
• Have your chimneys cleaned and checked every year for obstructions.              
• Don't cook with charcoal indoors except on grills designed for indoor use that have a built-in exhaust system to carry away smoke and fumes.              
• Never start your car and allow it to warm up in a closed garage. This is the leading source of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Industry thoughts on CO detectors
Gas Research Institute (GRI) studies into the accuracy of CO alarms have shown, that at this point, residential CO alarms should not be relied upon as the primary defense against CO poisonings. The majority of CO alarm problems involve activating in the presence of little or no CO (resulting in "nuisance alarms" that present no threat to health). Situations remain where they fail to activate in the presence of unhealthy levels of CO or they incorrectly report the amount of carbon monoxide in the indoor air. (Based on information from the American Gas Association).

Given these problems, CO alarms should be used as a secondary line of defense after taking care of automobile exhaust in attached garages and regularly inspecting all gas appliances. CO alarms should be chosen with the October, 1998 Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) UL2034 and/or International Approval Services (IAS) No.6-96 certifications on the packaging. These are manufacturing and performance standards, which, over time, will hopefully result in improving product reliability. (Based on information from the American Gas Association).

Learn what to do if you suspect the presence of CO.

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