What you need to know about carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that can’t be seen, smelled or tasted. Since it doesn’t irritate the eyes or respiratory passages, it’s impossible for a human to detect it. It’s produced when cars or appliances burn fuels like gasoline, propane, oil, natural gas and wood.

Symptoms of CO poisoning
Nausea, headaches, dizziness and fatigue are the first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. In more severe cases, it can lead to mental confusion, vomiting and loss of muscle co-ordination. In the most extreme cases, it can cause a coma or death.

Prevention of CO poisoning
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, follow these tips:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and test them regularly. Visit the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission website for more information.
• Properly maintain your fuel-burning heating system and get your chimney cleaned once a year to ensure that it’s not obstructed.
• Hire a professional to inspect the ventilation near appliances that burn fuel (like gas stoves).
• Never leave a car running in the garage, even if the door is open.
• Don’t use gas- or propane-powered equipment such as a camping heater, barbeque or chainsaw in your house or garage.

Emergency measures
If you begin to exhibit symptoms of CO poisoning, or if your alarm goes off, go outside immediately and call 911. Don’t go back inside your home until emergency service responders have given you the all-clear. Ensure that any appliance that may have caused the leak is inspected before using it.

If your power goes out
Within your home, only use lighting, heating and cooking appliances designed for indoor use, and never use a gas stove as an indoor heat source — even for just a few minutes! If you use a generator, install it outdoors, as far away as possible from doors and windows, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.