WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT

WEB RELEASE

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, toxic gas that is a by-product of burning fuel. It takes very little of it to be harmful, and is lethal in large quantities. This is the time of year to take steps to insure that your home is safe from carbon monoxide’s toxic effects.

Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the blood, interfering with the transport of needed oxygen to cells in the body. Exposure causes lightheadedness, headaches, confusion, nausea, sleepiness, neurological problems, even unconsciousness and death. Some symptoms occur within a few hours of exposure; other symptoms may come and go over months as a person inhales small but steady amounts of the gas. Breathing in fresh air and oxygen are the only antidotes.

CO gas is generated in the home through the use of improperly vented heating and cooking appliances and environmental tobacco smoke. Gasoline, kerosene, home heating fuels, firewood, and charcoal all release carbon monoxide when burned.

Each year approximately 10,000 people seek medical help for carbon monoxide poisoning, and some 500 (including about 50 children) die from it. The Connecticut Poison Control Center receives at least five calls per week about reported CO poisonings during the winter months.

If you suspect you are being exposed to CO, get everyone out of the house immediately, and call the fire department. Open windows and doors only if people in the house are unconscious or otherwise cannot go outside.  If you think you are experiencing symptoms of poisoning, after leaving the building and calling the fire department, call the Connecticut Poison Control Center at (800) 343-2722 or your physician.

The Madison Health Department recommends the following:
• Have the furnace and other fuel-burning equipment inspected yearly to make certain that they burn cleanly, that flues do not leak, and that vents are not blocked.
• Replace air filters in air systems. Clean chimneys once a year.
• Never use a barbecue grill or hibachi indoors.
• Never leave vehicles running in closed or open garages.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector (available at local hardware stores). The CO detector sounds an alarm before the gas reaches a dangerous level.