Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

CO is a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas created from burning most any type of combustible materials. Normal sources of CO in the home are heating and cooking equipment and a vehicle running in an attached garage.

CO poisons you by a process known as Chemical Asphyxiation . In other words, CO attaches itself to the red blood cells and essentially replaces the Oxygen in the bloodstream. Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning vary depending on amount, length of time exposed, age and general health. Short exposures to high concentrations are dangerous.

Effects of CO Exposure (Ref)

  • Tightening of the forehead
  • Headache
  • Dizzyness
  • Nausea/Vomitting
  • Confusion
  • Coma & Death

Tips to Protect Yourself Against CO Poisoning (Ref)

  • Install a CO detector according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Do not leave your car running in the garage.
  • Have all appliances checked yearly by a qualified repair person.
  • Heating and cooking appliances should be approved for indoor use.
  • Provide proper ventilation for all heating and cooking equipment.
  • Do not use barbeque grills indoors.
  • Kerosene heaters are illegal in many states. Check with your local officials before buying and using one in your home.

What To Do If Your CO Detector Alarms? (Ref)

  • If anyone has signs or symptoms of CO poisoning leave immediately and call your Fire Department and Ambulance.
  • If no one has signs or symptoms of CO poisoning, open your doors and windows, shut down heating and cooking equipment and call a qualified repair person to inspect all equipment.
  • Be alert for signs & symptoms of CO poisoning and if they develop call the Fire Department and Ambulance.

NOTE: Waterloo Fire Rescue can only check for the presence or absence of CO. We do not function as qualified appliance technicians nor certify that appliances are functioning correctly. Due to the many variables involved, we may not detect the presence of CO even though your detector was sounding an alarm.

FOLLOW YOUR MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS AND KEEP THEM ON FILE.

(Ref) - This information was taken from Carbon Monoxide Risks At Home published by the National Fire Protection Association





This WATERLOO FIRE RESCUE page was created by Steve Weliver. Copyright 1997 by Waterloo Fire Rescue. None of the material on this site can be used in any other site or publication without expressed permission from the author.

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