Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.ĭO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.ĭO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. Prevention is the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide PoisoningĭO have your fuel-burning appliances - including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves - inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Has anyone inspected your appliances lately? Are you certain they are working properly?.Are you using any fuel-burning appliances in the home?.Is anyone else in your household complaining of similar symptoms? Did everyone’s symptoms appear about the same time?.Do your symptoms occur only in the house? Do they disappear or decrease when you leave home and reappear when you return?. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.ĭO Be prepared to answer the following questions for the doctor: Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.ĭO GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:ĭO GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer-term effects on your health. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. Practice the DO’s and DON’Ts of carbon monoxide. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. This factsheet is available as a printable PDF also. Learn the facts and protect your family from carbon monoxide exposure. This factsheet explains the DO’s and DON’Ts of carbon monoxide. Power Outages and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).Carbon Monoxide's Impact on Indoor Air Quality.
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