Burning fuel produces CO and most households contain several CO sources. These include:

• furnaces
• space heaters and hot water heaters
• gas stoves and clothes dryers
• fireplaces and woodburning stoves
• charcoal and barbecue grills
• lawn mowers
• automobiles

CO can rise to dangerous levels when fuel-burning appliances are installed incorrectly, damaged or improperly vented.

Like oxygen from the air we breathe, CO binds to red blood cells in the lungs. However, CO binds 240 times more tightly than oxygen. Thus, CO can displace oxygen. The brain and heart are particularly sensitive to being deprived of oxygen. All people and animals are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, but unborn babies, infants and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems are more susceptible to its effects.

Early symptoms of CO poisoning mimic the flu, and include headache, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, disorientation and visual disturbances. At higher levels of CO, symptoms include irregular breathing, increased pulse, altered speech, coma, convulsions and death.

Proper installation, regular maintenance and adequate ventilation of fuel-burning appliances are key to avoiding CO poisoning. In addition, carbon monoxide detectors, which sound an alarm, provide an early warning that CO levels are rising.

• Get the person to fresh air immediately.

• If you can’t get the person out of the house (if they are unconscious) open doors and windows and turn off any combustion appliances.*

• Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if the person is not breathing, or if they are breathing irregularly.

• Get medical help immediately after the victim is breathing; even if he or she appears to have recovered.

• Keep the victim warm and watch their breathing closely.

• Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.

• Report the incident to the fire department and gas company.

*Combustion appliances burn fuels for warmth, cooking or decorative purposes. Examples are space heaters, ranges, ovens, stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and clothes dryers.

• Have all fuel-burning equipment installed, converted and serviced by a qualified technician.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions when operating fuel-burning appliances.

• Make sure all sources of CO including gas dryers, kerosene and gas heaters, and wood and coal stoves are properly vented.

• Check all vents and flues to make sure they are installed properly and have not become blocked or disconnected.

• Look for clogs, leaks, and cracks in chimneys and vents.

• Have your furnace, gas appliances and fireplace inspected annually at the beginning of the cold weather season.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector near bedrooms and on every level of the home.

• Know the warning signs that an appliance may be malfunctioning:

  • rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney
  • decreased hot water supply
  • furnace unable to heat house or running constantly
  • unfamiliar or burning odor
  • soot, especially on appliances
  • loose or missing furnace panel
  • increased moisture inside of windows

• Fit your gas range with a hood that exhausts outside; use the fan or open a window when cooking.

• If the flame on your gas range is burning yellow or orange instead of blue, have it adjusted.

• Don’t use your gas range or oven, or gas dryer to warm a room.

• Never burn charcoal or use a barbecue grill indoors.

• Don’t run an automobile, lawn mower, or any combustion engine in an enclosed area.

NEW YORK STATE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION LINE
800.458.1158
www.health.state.ny.us

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
INFORMATION HOTLINE
800.438.4318
www.epa.gov

U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT
SAFETY COMMISSION HOTLINE
800.638.2772
www.cpsc.gov