Carbon monoxide, or CO is an odorless, colorless gas that is given off whenever fossil fuels are burned. Carbon monoxide is a poison, even at low levels, while carbon dioxide is a normal part of the breathing process. Breathing high levels of CO can cause severe illness or death in a matter of minutes.
Carbon monoxide is found in combustion fumes, such as those made by cars and trucks, portable generators, wood-burning stoves, gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these fumes can build up in places that do not have a good flow of fresh air. Fumes with CO can also build up if heating systems are not maintained or vented properly. In Vermont, CO can build up if a vent to the outside is blocked by snow, causing the fumes to stay in the house.
Propane camp stoves, heaters, or propane lights also create fumes with CO. Carbon monoxide can build up if these camping supplies are used inside a tent. Boat engine exhaust and barbecue grills are other sources of carbon monoxide. Grills should not be used inside a garage or near windows.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is breathing in too much carbon monoxide. Inhaled carbon monoxide enters the lungs where it replaces oxygen in red blood cells and is then carried throughout the body. Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those experienced when there is too little oxygen in the air we breathe.
Symptoms can vary from mild (fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea) to severe (loss of consciousness and death). The exposure levels influence the recovery and the damage done to an individual. Mental abilities can be impaired and permanent brain damage can occur.
Most people who survive CO poisoning recover fully. Studies have found, however, that 10 to 40 percent of survivors of severe carbon monoxide poisoning may have long-term health problems as a result of their exposure. Even minor and moderate cases of carbon monoxide poisoning indicate an underlying CO hazard in the patient’s home, work or recreational environment.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. To make sure that you and your family are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector near all sleeping areas in your home. In dwellings with electrical power, use an electric-powered detector with battery backup. Replace the battery when changing the time on clocks each spring and fall.
- If the detector alarm sounds, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1.
- Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or, coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
- Have your wood stove, chimney, and venting system checked and serviced at least once a year.
- Have your chimney cleaned as often as necessary.
- Make sure that stove pipes and other types of vents are tightly joined and not cracked or rusty.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
- Keep snow or ice from piling up outside a vent for a fuel-burning appliance.
- Never use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal burning device inside the home, basement, or garage, near a window, or under a tent.
- Never use a gas cooking range or oven to heat your home.
- Never run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if the door is left open.
- Do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented or may be clogged.
A CO alarm should be centrally located outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Each CO alarm should be located on the wall, ceiling or other location as specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions that come with the unit.
For added protection, install additional CO detectors in each separate bedroom, and on every level of your home.
Carbon monoxide detectors wear out. They need to be replaced about every five years. Expiration dates are provided by the manufacturer.
The Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, has developed rules about carbon monoxide detection and prevention based on requirements established by the Vermont Legislature during its 2005 session. These rules focus on homes and buildings that have sleeping rooms.
You can find information about carbon monoxide requirements at the Division of Fire Safety website.
Vermont Tracking data related to carbon monoxide poisoning includes:
- Hospitalizations for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
- Emergency Department (ED) Visits for CO Poisoning
- Deaths from CO Poisoning