Carbon Monoxide – The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, smell or taste and is often referred to as the “silent killer”. It is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, wood, charcoal and even coal. Injuries and deaths from carbon monoxide have been linked to portable space heaters, water heaters, furnaces, woodstoves and even refrigerators.

Improperly installed or poorly maintained appliances may create unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. Small amounts of carbon monoxide can even be unsafe, especially in enclosed or confined spaces.

Chief of Prevention and Education Harry Olivieri says, “Exposure to carbon monoxide causes flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, drowsiness and confusion”. Olivieri adds, “In very severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to brain damage and even death”.

Chief Olivieri has these few safety tips to help avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

1. Have furnaces and heating appliances inspected by a professional before the heating season begins.
2. Ensure there are no blockages such as squirrel or birds nests in your chimney.
3. Do not let snow drifts or blowing snow plug any direct vent chimneys such as the new modern water heater vents.
4. Do not run barbecues, chain saws, lawnmowers or snow-blowers in a confined space such as the garage.
5. Do not let your vehicle warm up in the garage.
6. Above all, make sure any inspections and necessary repairs are conducted by a qualified, professional heating agent.

At this time of year, it is all too common that people are letting their vehicle warm up in the garage. Olivieri says, “Carbon monoxide can leak into the home, slowly contaminating the inside of the home and poisoning those left inside”. The garages are not 100% completely sealed from the remainder of the home and the practice is very, very dangerous.

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