What you need to know about carbon monoxide

What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause serious illness and death. It can be found anywhere there are fuel burning appliances, such as gas stoves, wood and gas burning fireplaces, furnaces, and also vehicles and RVs. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in all seasons, not just winter.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or under the influence of drugs or alcohol can die from CO poisoning before they even have symptoms.

How Can You Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

The simplest thing you can do is install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home, garage, RV/camper, and other areas where the gas can be created. A detector should be installed on each level in your home and batteries should be replaced twice a year. A good rule of thumb to remember when to change batteries is to replace them during each spring forward/fall back time change.

Other ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Fuel burning appliances should be properly vented and serviced annually.

• If you have a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned every year to remove debris that can cause CO build-up.

• Never burn charcoal or use a camp stove indoors.

• Gas ranges or ovens should never be used as a heat source!

• Have your auto mechanic check the exhaust system of your vehicle each year, even a small leak can cause a build-up of CO inside your vehicle.

• And do not run your vehicle inside a garage that is attached to your home, even with the garage door open. If you have a detached garage, make sure the garage door is open if the vehicle is running.

For more information on the dangers of carbon monoxide, visit the EPA site at https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/carbon-monoxides-impact-indoor-air-quality. You may also contact the Oneida County Health Department at 715-369-6223.