Protecting yourself from the dangers of carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is odourless, colourless, tasteless and very poisonous. CO prevents your blood from absorbing oxygen leading to loss of consciousness and, in extreme cases, death. It is slightly lighter than air and would tend to rise up as it enters a space.

Unborn babies, infants, seniors, pets and people with coronary or respiratory problems are extremely susceptible.

If someone is experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms:

• Leave the house immediately and get medical help.
• Call your local fire department.

What are the symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide?

Exposure to CO can cause flu–like symptoms without a fever, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Burning eyes
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Loss of coordination

In very severe cases, CO poisoning can cause brain damage or death.
If you experience these symptoms inside, but feel better outdoors or away from home, CO may be the cause.
Request a CO blood test from your doctor, to determine if you are exposed to CO.

What are the danger signs of carbon monoxide?

Be alert to these signs:

• Stale, stuffy air is in your home.
• The pilot light of your furnace or other gas–fired equipment keeps going out.
• A sharp odour or the smell of gas when furnaces and appliances turning on.
• A normally clear blue burner flame becomes "lazy" and mostly yellow or pilot light turns mostly yellow. Note that a little yellow will always be present. Small bits of airborne dust will go through the flame causing some yellow.
• Chalky, white powder on a chimney or exhaust vent pipe or soot build–up around the exhaust vent.
• Excessive moisture on walls or windows in areas with gas equipment.
• Be sure to check your humidifier settings as well. If the humidifier is turned up too much, this can also cause moisture build up on windows and walls.
• The alarm of your carbon monoxide detector sounds.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?
CO is a by–product of burning fuels, including wood, heating oil, propane, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel, coal, charcoal, and natural gas. All fuel–burning equipment and appliances are potential sources for carbon monoxide.
The natural occurring products of combustion are as follows: Carbon Dioxide, Water, Vapor, Nitrogen and Heat. Carbon monoxide is NOT a regular part of these products unless there is a problem.

Carbon monoxide hazards can result from:

• Natural gas heating systems and appliances that are not properly maintained.
• Gas–fired equipment in an enclosed space, which has an inadequate fresh air supply for venting of exhausts.
• Dirt and blockage such as a blocked chimney or flue.
• Careless use of equipment, for example, running gasoline–powered equipment in an attached garage.
• Using equipment that consumes household air. A roaring fire can use up to ten times as much air as your furnace. If possible, open a window near the wood fireplace, helping replace the air that is going up the chimney.
• Tobacco smoking also contributes small amounts of CO into the air.

Carbon monoxide detectors are a good second line of defense
Carbon monoxide detectors are sold in hardware, department and other retail stores. No matter what make or model you choose, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing, maintaining and testing the device.
Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed, maintained and replaced as per the manufacturer's instruction. A smoke detector won't detect carbon monoxide.
Every house should have at least one carbon monoxide detector operating in the sleeping quarters, especially outside of the upstairs bedroom. Always follow the manufactures instructions on the placement of the detector. Be careful not to install the CO detector directly above any furnaces or water heaters.

Look for these features when buying a CO detector:

• CGA blue flame symbol
• Approved to CSA 6.19 or UL 2034 standard
• Reset button

Tips: When you change your clocks in October and May, test your detector and change the batteries. This will ensure your device is operating properly.
If your carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds:
Open windows and doors to ventilate your home. Verify if anyone in your household has symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide. If yes,

• Leave your house immediately
• Seek medical help
• Call your local fire department, and/or Emergency help lines.

If no one is suffering symptoms:

• Reset the CO detector as per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Check the batteries. Some detectors sound an alarm when batteries are weak.
• Air out unit.
• Check if there is humidity from bathroom or kitchen, chemical fumes or exhaust from a gasoline–powered engine.
• Check if there are fumes from a wood–burning stove or fireplace, make sure the damper is open and a window is open.
• If you cannot determine the cause and the alarm continues to sound, leave windows and doors open and call a qualified heating contractor to check your natural gas equipment. Check your Yellow pages or use the online link to locate a contractor.