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

You can protect you and your family from

CO