Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion. A person is poisoned by carbon monoxide when carboxyhemoglobin collects in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake and is extremely dangerous.
Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back–drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke.
At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, reduced brain function, impaired vision and coordination; chest pain; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu–like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations.
Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher.
Carbon monoxide is the silent killer, nobody can smell it, and you don’t know it’s there until it’s too late. The best remedy is to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your house, which works the same way as a smoke detector… just change the batteries every six months.
