Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer

New York City law requires that every home and apartment be equipped with carbon monoxide detector alarms. Click here for vital information on carbon monoxide detectors.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is called “the silent killer,” because it is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is undetectable by human senses. CO enters your blood system through the lungs, and displaces and deprives your body of oxygen. When CO displaces enough oxygen, you suffocate.

Everyone is at risk, particularly senior citizens, infants, young children, pregnant women and people with breathing or heart problems. All people are also at increased risk during the winter. Well-insulated, airtight homes and malfunctioning heating equipment can produce dangerously high and potentially deadly concentrations of CO.

Exposure to high concentrations of CO will cause throbbing headaches, breathing difficulties, confusion and loss of consciousness, cardiac problems and/or death. Long term exposure to low concentrations gradually build up in the blood causing flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea and drowsiness.

Since these are so common, and often misdiagnosed, CO poisoning should be suspected if more than one person is ill and if they recover after being away from the home. Illness in your pets preceding a family member may also be a sign. To reduce the chance of accidental exposure, a carbon monoxide detector should be installed in the home. It's the law.

CO is produced by any device that burns fuel. Fumes can build up where there is poor ventilation, particularly in an enclosed area. Examples of fuel-burning equipment include: fuel fired furnaces, gas ranges and ovens, gas clothes dryers, charcoal grills, gas water heaters, wood burning fireplaces and stoves, gas fireplaces (both vented and ventless), gas lawnmowers and power tools, automobiles, and gas fueled space heaters (the use of kerosene or propane space heaters is strictly prohibited in New York City).

Your first line of defense is to prevent or minimize the potential for exposure to CO gas. Follow these preventive tips:

  • Have your home-heating systems, fuel-burning appliances, flues and chimneys inspected, cleaned and tuned up annually by a qualified technician.
  • Make regular visual inspections of fuel burning appliances such as your gas dryer and hot water heater.Do not burn charcoal inside a home, cabin or camper.
  • Do not operate gas-powered engines (generators, cutting saws) in confined areas such as garages or basements.
  • Do not idle your car inside the garage.
  • During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the gas dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
  • Never use gas ranges and ovens to heat your home.
  • Install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector. It’s the law. A properly working detector alarm can provide an early warning - before deadly gases build up to dangerous levels. <more>

In the event anyone becomes ill from CO poisoning, move to fresh air and call 911. Follow instructions from operator and await the help of a trained medical professional.

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