Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide, also known as CO, is a poisonous gas that you can't see, smell or taste. CO is often referred to as the silent killer.

This odorless gas is produced as a byproduct of combustion when common fuel-burning appliances and equipment that use natural gas, oil, wood, propane and kerosene, don't get enough air to burn up completely.  When this happens, CO can build up, especially in a confined room or space - and this can lead to toxic effects on humans and pets.

 CO has warning signs by how it affects humans.  CO poisoning causes flu-like symptoms, including:

• headaches
• nausea
• dizziness
• fatigue
• burning eyes
• confusion
• disorientation
• drowsiness

CO poisoning makes it difficult for your body to absorb oxygen.  In severe cases it can cause brain damage and death. The elderly, children and people with heart or respiratory issues may feel the effects sooner than others.  Even small amounts of CO gas can be dangerous.

Certain fuels can produce unsafe levels of CO gas when they are not completely burned.  These fuels include:

• natural gas
• propane
• heating oil
• kerosene
• coal 
• charcoal
• wood

Incomplete burning of these fuels can happen when:

• Appliances using these fuels are not properly installed or maintained.
• Venting systems are not properly installed or cleaned.
• Chimneys are not properly maintained and cleaned.
• Chimneys are blocked by snow, ice or other debris.
• Cars are left running in a garage and the exhaust fumes get into your home.
• Fuel-burning appliances made for outdoor use are used in a closed space such as a tent, recreational vehicle, cabin, workshop or garage.
• Too much air is being consumed by a fireplace or exhausted through kitchen or bathroom fans in a tightly sealed house.

It is important to know the symptoms and danger signs of unsafe CO levels because this poisonous gas is invisible to us.  Danger signs of high CO levels include:

• Your carbon monoxide alarm goes off.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• A sharp, powerful odor or smell of gas when your fuel-burning appliance turns on.
• Stale or stuffy air.
• The pilot light of your fuel-burning appliance goes out.
• Chalky, white powder on the chimney or exhaust vent pipes. 
• Soot build-up around exhaust vents.
• Excessive moisture on windows and walls.

Only working CO alarms give you the warning of the presence of CO you need to keep your family safe.

Installation:

• You are required to have a working CO alarm near all sleeping areas in your home.
• When choosing a CO alarm, look for the CSA Blue Flame mark and the reference "CSA 6.19-01" - the most up-to-date Canadian standard. This shows that the alarm met recognized standards for safety.
• CO alarms should be installed as per manufacturer's instructions.

Maintenance:

• Remember to test your CO alarms once a month by pushing the test button on the unit.
• Clean your CO alarms monthly with a gentle, soft bristle vacuum attachment. Test after cleaning.
• CO alarm batteries should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps" or "beeps" to indicate low batteries, they should be replaced immediately.
• Remember that CO alarms wear out over time.  Check the manufacturer's instructions to find out when your particular unit should be replaced.

• Leave your home right away and call 9-1-1 when you or anyone in your family suffers symptoms of CO poisoning or experiences any of the danger signs of unsafe levels of the gas.
• You will need to let the 9-1-1 operator know your address, whether or not anyone has flu-like symptoms and whether or not everyone has exited the home.  This will help them send the correct emergency services to your home.