Protecting Against Protecting Against Carbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide
in Your Homein Your HomeSarah Kirby, PhD Sandy Wiggins, EdD
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Deadly, poisonous gas Can’t see, taste, feel or smell Produced by incomplete combustion
of fuel burning devices
CO
What’s the problem with CO?
500 unintentional deaths each year in US
CO exposure accounts for approximately 15,000 emergency department visits yearly
Survivors of CO poisoning can suffer from brain damage, loss of sight or hearing, or heart problems
CDC, 2007
Where Does CO Come From?
Gas & oil furnaces, boilers, water heaters
Wood burning fireplaces and stoves Gas appliances (ovens, stoves, dryers) Gas and kerosene space heaters Gas and charcoal grills
Where Does CO Come From?
Cars, trucks, campers, and other vehicles Gas and liquid propane fueled equipment Recreational vehicles Tobacco smoke, house fires Blocked chimneys and flues
What are the signs of CO poisoning?
Headache Nausea Vomiting Dizziness Confusion Tiredness Weakness
Sleepiness Tightness in
chest Trouble
breathing Changes in
senses All of these are
flu- like symptoms
How Can I Protect Myself and My Family?
Never use charcoal grills or run engines inside home, garage, or basement
Never warm up vehicle in garage
How Can I Protect Myself and My Family?
Keep chimney and wood burning stove in good working order
Have furnace, chimney and gas appliances checked
Use kerosene , gas heaters and vent-free fireplaces carefully -- follow instructions and open window
Gas Heater
Chimney
How Can I Protect Myself
and My Family?
Use kitchen exhaust fan when using oven
Never use a kitchen stove or oven for heat
Kitchen exhaust vent
How Can I Protect Myself
and My Family?
Make certain gas appliances burn correctly
Don’t use a smoking fireplace
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
At least one for every household Near sleeping areas and on each floor of your home Sounds an alarm when CO becomes too high, purchase one
that records peak loads Battery operated, or battery backup Do not install above or directly beside fuel-burning appliances
If CO Alarm Sounds: Get outside right
away Call 911 from phone
outside your home Have home checked
by qualified heating/appliance technician
Don’t go back into the home until all problems are fixed