Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a silent, odorless, tasteless and invisible killer. Hundreds of Americans die annually from accidental non-fire-related CO poisoning, more than any other poison. The US Product Safety Commission reports that fire departments respond to tens of thousands of carbon monoxide incidents each year. Generators, incorrectly vented fuel burning fireplaces, furnaces, stoves, car engines, clothes dryers and water heaters are the usual suspects.
Early symptoms of CO poisoning, which are similar to flu symptoms, are often ignored and can include headaches, dizziness, nausea and mental confusion. They are often misdiagnosed as migraine headache, stroke or food poisoning.
Most of the deaths and incidents are preventable.
- All appliances should be professionally installed and maintained.
- All homes should have at least one CO detector installed where people spend a good deal of time and where the alarm can be heard.
- Check batteries regularly!