Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Winter Home Heating

About 400 people die of carbon monoxide poisoning each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The USFA says, another 22, 000 people are treated for the condition in emergency rooms yearly. Some of the deaths were associated with home heaters such as portable heaters, central heating systems, and fireplaces.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a potentially deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Sources of this deadly gas include incomplete burning of fuels (e.g. coal, charcoal, wood, kerosene) and vehicles or equipments using internal combustion engines like cars, portable generators, and lawn mowers.

Prevention is key to avoiding CO poisoning as this gas can kill you even before you become aware that it is in your home.

Here are some tips on how you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from home-fuel burning-heating equipments.

Observe precautions when using heating sources this winter

Winter heating sources such as space heaters and fireplaces help keep you warm during the cold season. However, these are also potential sources for carbon monoxide.

• Make sure that vents and chimneys are free of blockage or debris. Remember to schedule a professional inspection of all your fuel burning appliances including your heating, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

• Avoid using portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) inside your home. Although these kinds of heaters do not produce flame, the CDC says they burn gas and can cause accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home.

• Never use your gas range or oven to heat your home. They are not designed for home heating.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon monoxide alarms or detectors are specially designed devices that help measure levels of CO. These devices trigger an alarm whenever certain amount of carbon monoxide is detected. The USFA recommends that you buy a CO detector that passes the current UL 2034 safety standard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that the battery of the CO alarm should be replaced at least every year.

When installing the detectors, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends putting them in the hallway near the sleeping areas in your home. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to properly install a carbon monoxide detector.

If your alarm is triggered, never attempt to look for the source of the CO. Immediately get your family out to open air and call your local emergency services.

Sources:

U.S. Fire Administration. Exposing an Invisible Killer: The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide. Accessed on October 30, 2010.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC Warns of Deadly Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards with Winter Home Heating. Accessed on October 30, 2010.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Accessed on October 30, 2010.