Home Safety

Carbon Monoxide Detectors F.A.Q.

Answers to Your Questions*

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide, known by the chemical formula "CO" is a poisonous gas that kills more than 250 people every year in the United States alone.  You can't hear it, taste it, see it, or smell it.  It is nicknamed the "silent killer" because it sneaks up on its victims and can take lives without warning.

What are the sources of CO?

CO is the by-product of incomplete combustion.  Sources include malfunctioning appliances, such as furnaces, stoves, ovens and water heaters that operate by burning fossil fuels such as natural gas or liquified petroleum (LP) gas, wood or coal.  When malfunctioning appliances are not adequately ventilated, the amount of CO in the air may rise to a level that can cause illness or even death.

How does CO affect people?

When victims inhale CO, the toxic gas enters the bloodstream and replaces the oxygen molecules found in the critical blood component, hemoglobin.  This deprives the heart and brain of oxygen necessary to function correctly.  Sensing the body's need for more oxygen, the victim's heart rate increases to pump more blood to the body's organs.

What are symptoms of CO poisoning?

CO poisoning victims may initially suffer flu-like symptoms including nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion and breathing difficulty.  Because CO poisoning often causes a victim's blood pressure to rise, the victims may take on a pink or reddish cast.

How can I avoid exposure?

Have your fuel burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician at least once each year and install UL listed CO detectors outside of sleeping areas and near fuel burning appliances.

What do I do if my CO detector goes off?

Immediately ventilate your home by opening windows and outside doors.  If anyone in your household is experiencing flu-like symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion or breathing difficulty, immediately call the fire department (9-1-1) and evacuate everyone from your home.  If no one if your house has flu-like symptoms, simply ventilate your home, turn off all fuel burning appliances and call a qualified technician to inspect for sources of CO.  Remember, regardless of whether you feel symptoms or not, never ignore the alarm!

More Important Facts...

* Source: Underwriter Labs (U.L.)

See Also Carbon Monoxide Risks At Home