Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, deadly gas created when fuel burns. Carbon monoxide is made up of one carbon molecule and one oxygen molecule (chemical symbol = CO), this means that it has almost the same weight as air and mixes with air easily.

Protecting your Family from CO

Carbon monoxide is produced as a result of incomplete burning of carbon-containing fuels including coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas, and fuel oil. Safe and proper installation of fuel burning appliances, and proper use of gas burning vehicles and small engines will ideally reduce to chances of CO poising.

If your CO detector goes off, you should:

• Check to see if any member of your household is experiencing symptoms. If they are, get them out of the house immediately and call 911.

• Make sure it is the CO detector and not the smoke alarm.

• If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air and turn off all potential sources of CO.

• Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to make sure they are operating correctly.

Where do I Place a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Proper placement of a carbon monoxide detector is important. If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors may be installed on every level and in every bedroom of a home provides extra protection.