Carbon Monoxide Overview

Like smoke detectors, these detectors help detect CO gas in the air.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, comes from the inefficient burning of fuels such as kerosene, oil, gas, wood, or charcoal. When this gas builds up in an indoor space without a free airflow, it prevents people from taking in oxygen. This can cause homeowners to develop symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, and vomiting.

Here are some ways homeowners can prevent carbon monoxide leaks:

Install CO Detectors

Like smoke detectors, these detectors help detect CO gas in the air. They sound an alarm to warn homeowners of carbon monoxide build-up in the house. Most detectors are battery-powered, some hardwired, and others plugged into an electrical outlet.

For better detection of harmful CO levels, homeowners should do the following:

• Install CO detectors on each house floor, especially around sleeping areas or as required by building codes.

• Regularly test the CO detectors, preferably every month, to ensure they work properly.

• Swap batteries every six months for battery-powered models.

• Owners can use battery backups for hardwired detectors to keep them working in case of power loss. They should also replace these detector units at least once per year.

Proper Ventilation

Ventilated spaces help to prevent CO build-up by allowing the gas to escape. Blocked ventilation systems can cause fumes to recirculate within a house. As such, homeowners should ensure their ventilation systems are clean and free of debris that can prevent air from flowing freely.

All fuel-burning appliances should also have outward vents and flues that direct CO fumes away from the house.

Regular Appliance Maintenance

It is important to perform maintenance checks on all fuel-burning appliances at least once a month. During these inspections, homeowners can check for signs of CO leakage, such as yellow flames on gas stoves, soot around appliances, or rusting of vent pipes. In case of leakages, owners should schedule check-ups with professionals to repair, set up, or vent the appliances appropriately.

Run Engines in an Open Space

Running engines are a notorious source of CO fumes. Any fuel-powered engine, such as vehicle engines, lawnmowers, generators, or pressure washers, should not operate in an enclosed space since CO fumes can quickly build up to toxic levels.

Homeowners should run such motors at least 20 feet from windows, doors, or vents.

Know the Symptoms of CO Poisoning

CO poisoning symptoms are difficult to tell apart because they're similar to flu or food poisoning. At low levels, people experience mild nausea and mild headaches or fatigue, while at high levels, CO can quickly cause loss of consciousness and death.

Here are some observations to differentiate CO symptoms from other symptoms:

• Residents are only sick at home, and the symptoms reduce while they are away from the house.

• Everybody's symptoms in the house appear at the same time.

• Pets such as cats and dogs also appear ill.

Homeowners must immediately leave the house and seek medical help if they notice such symptoms.

Prevent CO Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a silent yet insidious threat that can cause serious illness if undetected. Regular leakage checks on fuel-burning appliances are necessary to prevent harmful effects from breathing the gas.