What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels (Fossil fuels include natural gas, coal, kerosene, oil, propane and wood etc). Exposure to lower levels of CO over several hours can be just as dangerous as exposure to higher levels for a few minutes.

Who Needs a CO Detector?

Single Family Residences

A single family residence is required to have a carbon monoxide detector installed on each level of the home, located within 21 feet of all rooms used for sleeping. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed so they will be easily heard in all sleeping areas, installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. A carbon monoxide detector is also required to inside a sleeping room, if there are any fuel burning appliances located within the bedroom, such as a fireplace.

Multiple Family Dwellings and Apartment Buildings

A multiple family dwelling or apartment building, in which there is any fuel burning appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, etc., must have one approved carbon monoxide detector installed in the room containing the fuel burning equipment. The carbon monoxide detector should be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Carbon monoxide detectors are required in each apartment, and must be located within 21 feet of all rooms used for sleeping. Detectors are also required to be installed in any bedroom where there is a fuel burning appliance. In multi-level townhouses, a carbon monoxide detector is required on each level, and within 21 feet of all rooms used for sleeping. The carbon monoxide detector should be placed so it will easily be heard in all sleeping rooms and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A carbon monoxide detector is also required to inside a sleeping room, if there are any fuel burning appliances located within the bedroom, such as a fireplace.

Who is At Risk?

Those most at risk are:

• Children.
• Elderly People.
• People with lung or heart disease.
• Pregnant woman.

Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Sleepiness.
• Weakness.
• Nausea, Vomiting.
• Dizziness, Confusion.
• Trouble breathing.

If prolonged exposure continues, LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS, COMA and ultimately DEATH will occur.

Do you have any of these fuel burning appliances?

• Gas Furnace.
• Gas Water Heater.
• Fireplace.
• Wood Burning Stove.
• Gas Ranges or Ovens.
• Gas Dryers.
• Kerosene Heaters.
• Charcoal/Gas Grilles.
• Lawn Mowers.
• Snow Blowers.
• Chain Saws.

Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can occur if these appliances are improperly installed/maintained, damaged, malfunctioning or improperly used/ventilated. Furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves and chimneys should be checked yearly by a professional service. This is to ensure proper function and ventilation. Yard equipment (i.e., lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.) or charcoal/gas grilles should never be used or run in the home.

What to do if your CO detector goes off.

• Get out!
• As you leave, turn off fuel burning appliances if possible.
• Get fresh air.
• Call 911.
• Seek medical attention if you have signs & symptoms of CO poisoning.
• Don’t go back into the building until cleared by the fire department.