Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is reminding residents that January is Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness month. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that CO poisoning is responsible for approximately 15,000 emergency room visits and nearly 500 deaths annually in the U.S.

“Even in low levels, CO can have detrimental effects on a person’s health, and it is often referred to as the silent killer because it can’t be seen or smelled,” said McDonough. “It is extremely important that all homes have carbon monoxide detectors and that residents check them regularly to ensure they continue to work properly. All levels of CO are dangerous, and moderate levels can cause individuals to experience severe headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea or fainting. If you or a loved one believe you may be experiencing CO poisoning, it is important to be checked out immediately.”

CO is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn, such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and stoves are installed, maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly, or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result.

To learn more about home energy audits and how to participate in a statewide program that provides them (by private certified companies) at little or no cost to homeowners, visit the Long Island Green Homes website at http://www.longislandgreenhomes.org/.