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CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY

Carbon Monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless gas and tasteless gas that can cause people to get sick and die from exposure each year. CO is produced by burning fossil-fuel-based fuels, such as natural gas, oil, kerosene and wood for personal heating and cooking.  When you breathe it in it prevents your body's red blood cells from getting oxygen.  It is very important to know what the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are and it is essential to identify the problem in your home before it becomes a much larger issue.

How do we recognize it?

Carbon Monoxide poisoning shows similar symptoms to having the flu or other common illnesses.  If you have any of the symptoms highlighted in the graphic below and you think they could be caused by carbon monoxide, leave the area immediately and call 911.  Prolonged exposure to the fumes, can cause symptoms to worsen and eventually lead to unconsciousness or death.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

  • Headaches
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Burning Eyes
  • Loss of Consciousness

Make sure that your home has working CO detectors on each level of the home (near sleeping areas), outside sleeping areas (such as a garage) and in any other area where someone may be sick.

Where does it come from?

CO is produced by burning fossil-fuel-based fuels, such as natural gas, oil, kerosene and wood for personal heating and cooking.   As a homeowner you should regularly be inspecting your appliances (such as furnace, wood burning appliances, vehicles, portable generators, water & space heaters and other household appliances) for:

  • Leaks
  • Cracks
  • Blocked vents
  • Breaks or tears in the lines or connections
  • Disconnected or corroded pipes

How to prevent it?

There are many different steps that you can take to help reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in and around your home.

  • Never leave your car running in the garage
  • Never us a BBQ or portable burner in an enclosed area (ie; Home, Garage, RV etc.)
  • Have any wood burning appliances and venting inspected & cleaned yearly
  • Never use a stove or oven to heat your home
  • Check the flame on fuel burning appliances – it should be clear blue not orange
  • Never use or keeping running gas powered equipment in the garage
  • If you have a chimney, it should be inspected by a WETT Certified Professional

Throughout the winter months, especially across Canada, homes are heated with many different appliances that can be sources for carbon monoxide. It is especially important during this time to make sure all external vents are completely clear to prevent a deadly build up of carbon monoxide gas.  After a major snow fall you should be clearing the snow away from your external vents including dryer, furnace, fireplace & wood-burning or gas stove.

All the above are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of carbon monoxide in your home.  Your second line of defense should be having carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level of your home.  These detectors should be installed on each floor and adjacent to all sleeping areas in your house.  These are important for early detection of carbon monoxide levels in your home, but should not replace proper usage, maintenance and inspection of appliances and machinery.

Did you know in Ontario it is mandatory to have carbon monoxide alarms in all residential homes?

Using carbon monoxide alarms

Tips:

  • Test the same time you test your fire alarms
  • If they use batteries, be sure to change them at least once a year
  • Look for one with the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated (cUL)

If the alarm goes off:

  • Immediately leave the area and contact your local fire department
  • If you can’t leave the premise, immediately open all windows and doors
  • Don’t try to find the source of the alarm
  • Never ignore the alarm

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