Carbon Monoxide in the Home

Each year, about 250 people in the United States die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the United States. During the colder months when homes are sealed up tight with less ventilation, carbon monoxide buildup is more frequent.

Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States.

-American Medical Association

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• headaches
• dizziness
• fatigue
• confusion
• tightness of the chest

Causes of Carbon monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is emitted from fuel burning mechanisms such as common household appliances like  gas furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers or ovens.  Also, car exhaust is comprised of carbon monoxide. Especially in the winter, never start your car in your garage and leave it running. Back your car out completely and let it warm up outside.

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning-It is important that all gas appliances are properly vented. If you have any gas appliances in your home, it is important that you install a UL Listed carbon monoxide detector which can help save a life.

For more on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning visit http://www.cdc.gov/co/