Carbon monoxide (CO): How to protect your family from the invisible killer

Did you know that November 1st to 7th is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week? That's right – during this time, organizations like CB Technical Security strive to remind homeowners, renters, and condo residents that having working carbon monoxide detectors is essential for their safety and the safety of their families. Carbon monoxide poisoning is serious and can even lead to severe illness or death.

What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas produced from carbon-based fuels, such as your propane, oil, charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, and even wood and natural gas tanks. Exposure to carbon monoxide can impair a person's ability to absorb enough oxygen, which, over time, can lead to life-threatening illness or even death.

Carbon monoxide (CO) can come from common household appliances such as furnaces, stoves, dryers, fireplaces, water heaters, and so on. As common as these items may seem, the type of threat carbon monoxide can pose is easily recognizable. Therefore, it is essential to take all possible preventative measures to protect your family from this "invisible killer."

Prevention of exposure to carbon monoxide.

It's important to take the necessary preventative measures to avoid carbon monoxide exposure. There are two main ways to do this. The first involves installing a fully functional, certified carbon monoxide detector in your home. Typically, the manufacturer's installation instructions recommend placing the device in the hallway just outside your main bedrooms and on every level of your house. If your CO detector is battery-powered, be sure to have it checked twice a year—and set a reminder in your calendar to do so, as these devices can very well save lives. If your current carbon monoxide detector is more than five to seven years old or has passed its estimated expiration date, replace it with a new one. Some devices are powered by sealed lithium batteries, and these require no maintenance or battery disconnection.

You must inform your family or anyone living with you about the sound of the carbon monoxide detector alarm—it may sound similar to a low battery warning. Even if you are fairly certain there has been no carbon monoxide leak, never ignore your carbon monoxide detector alarm. The cause must always be determined, even if the alarm was triggered by something other than CO exposure.

You should also have a certified professional assess all your gas-powered appliances and utilities once or several times a year. You'll want to make sure everything is in good working order and that your ventilation systems are functioning properly.

What to do in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you suspect a carbon monoxide poisoning incident, you may experience the following early symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Rapid breathing
• Vision problems

Symptoms will worsen as carbon monoxide builds up in a person's bloodstream. Increased confusion and fatigue can signal a buildup, at which point it is essential to seek emergency help. It is advisable to place carbon monoxide detectors outside bedrooms and in hallways, as most fatal carbon monoxide poisonings occur when residents are asleep.

If your carbon monoxide detector is triggered and you suspect an incident, turn off all appliances, leave your house, apartment or condo and seek immediate medical attention.

If you find that you cannot leave your home, get as close as possible to an open entrance – a window or a door. Do not return to the place where carbon monoxide poisoning was detected until a professional – a fire department or gas company – gives you the "OK".

Things to remember

Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and even tasteless. It tends to be more deadly when victims are caught unawares while asleep. In fact, more than 300 deaths in Canada can be attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning each year, and more than 200 hospitalizations in Canada are due to CO-related illnesses. Just like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors can literally save lives.

It is advisable to remember the following tips regarding carbon monoxide prevention:

• Never use a generator inside your house, garage, or basement—or within approximately 20 feet of a window or door. Your body can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide in minutes, even with doors and windows open.
• Never start a car in a garage directly attached to your house, even if the garage door is open. If your garage is detached, open the door when you start the car.
• Avoid using gas ovens to heat your home.
• Do not use portable chemical heaters indoors.
• Consult a technician annually to assess the operation of your water heater, boiler, furnace and other gas/coal appliances.

Finally, if a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, never ignore it, even if you're not certain the event is caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not try to find where the gas is leaking. Instead, leave immediately, call emergency services, and do not re-enter the premises or allow any family members to enter until you have received permission.

Carbon monoxide is a serious threat, but with the right preventative measures, we can all live much safer lives!