What is Carbon
Monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a odorless,
colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels (fossil
fuels include natural gas, coal, kerosene, oil, propane,
wood etc.) Exposure to low levels of CO over several
hours can be just as dangerous as exposure to higher levels
for a few minutes. Exposure to carbon
monoxide can cause LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS, COMA and DEATH.
Who needs CO
Detectors?
Single Family Residences
A single family residence, heated by a forced air furnace
or a boiler that burns a fossil fuel should have a carbon
monoxide detector within forty (40) feet of all rooms
used for sleeping. The carbon monoxide detector should
be placed so it will be easily heard in all sleeping areas
and should be installed according to manufacturers instructions.
Multiple
Family Dwellings & Apartment Buildings
A multiple family dwelling or apartment building, in which
a hot water or steam boiler, that burns a fossil fuel
and is located in the basement, should have one approved
carbon monoxide detector installed in the room containing
the central heating unit. The carbon monoxide detector
should be installed according to manufacturers instructions.
Every
apartment that has its own warm air heating plant
(portable furnaces, space heaters, etc.) that burns a
fossil fuel, should have a carbon monoxide detector within
forty (40) feet of all rooms used for sleeping. The carbon
monoxide detector should be placed so it will easily be
heard in all sleeping rooms and should be installed according
to the manufacturers instructions.
Who
is at risk?
Those most at risk are:
Children
Elderly
People with lung or heart disease
Pregnant women
Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning
include:
Headache
Fatigue
Sleepiness
Weakness
Nausea/vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion
Difficulty breathing
If prolonged exposure
continues, LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS, COMA and ultimately
DEATH will occur.
Do you have any
of these fuel burning appliances?
Gas Furnace
Gas Water Heater
Fireplace
Wood Burning Stove
Gas Ranges or Ovens
Gas Dryers
Kerosene Heaters
Charcoal/Gas Grilles
Lawn Mowers
Snow Blowers
Chain Saws
Dangerous levels of carbon
monoxide can occur if these appliances are improperly
installed/maintained, damaged, malfunctioning or improperly
used/ventilated. Furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves
and chimneys should be checked yearly by a professional
service to ensure proper function and ventilation. Yard
equipment (i.e. lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.) or charcoal/gas
grilles should never be used or run in the home.
What to do if
your CO detector goes off
Ventilate the house and
get out!
As you leave, turn off fuel burning appliances if possible.
Get fresh air.
Call 911.
Seek medical attention if you have signs & symptoms
of CO poisoning.
Don't go back into the building until cleared by the fire
department.
