GIC Health Articles -
Carbon Monoxide
Tips for Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (fall
2005)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
is an odorless, colorless gas that can leak from faulty or improperly vented
furnaces, automobiles, space and water heaters, fireplaces, and clothes dryers.
It can kill without warning. To guard against poisoning, take the following
precautions:
• Install a Carbon Monoxide
detector in your home
• Clean flues and chimneys regularly
• Avoid flue blockage from leaves or animal nests by installing a ventilated
screen cap at the top of your chimney
• After snow and ice storms, check vents for blockage
• Never leave a car running in the garage
• Turn off space heaters and put out the fire in the fireplace and wood
stove before you go to bed
Carbon Monoxide poisoning
symptoms are similar to the flu, including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea,
vomiting, sleepiness, confusion and ringing in the ear. If you suspect Carbon
Monoxide poisoning, evacuate everyone immediately to fresh
air and then call your local fire department and the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222).
Get the faulty source fixed before reentering your home