Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

A silent killer, Carbon monoxide (CO) is a tasteless, colorless, odorless gas. It is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the home. CO is produced whenever any fossil fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal, is burned. It produces a blue flame. The gas will build to dangerous levels in unvented and enclosed areas.

Carbon monoxide is a hazard when devices such as automobiles, coal stoves, furnaces, hot water heaters and gas appliances that do not get enough air are not working properly or are used incorrectly. Leaking chimneys, unvented space heaters, and fireplaces present other hazards.

The symptoms of CO poisoning vary depending on the amount of gas inhaled. Low levels can cause fatigue and chest pain. Higher levels cause impaired vision, poor coordination, headaches, dizziness and confusion, nausea and flu-like symptoms, which clear up after leaving the enclosed area. CO is fatal at very high levels. Victims need immediate access to fresh air. More severe cases require CPR and oxygen. Call 911.

To prevent CO poisoning:

• DO obtain and use a CO detector meter.
• DO read and follow instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. Use the proper fuel.

• DO have fuel-burning appliances and heating systems (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) inspected by a trained professional each year. Replace unvented space heaters with those that are.

• DO open the fireplace flue before lighting.
• DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home. Install an exhaust fan over a gas stove.
• DON’T idle a car in an attached garage or with the door closed.

• DON’T ignore symptoms.

For more information, call the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3612.