PUBLIC HEALTH FACT
SHEET
Carbon Monoxide
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston,
MA 02130
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
Carbon Monoxide is
a highly toxic gas produced when fuel (kerosene, oil, coal, petroleum gas,
and wood) is burned. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless – which
makes it very hard to detect.
What are sources of CO?
• Oil, wood, or gas furnaces/boilers
• Space heaters (kerosene heaters)
• Gas or oil water heaters
• Gas stoves
• Gas dryers
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Charcoal grills
• Automobiles
• Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, snowmobiles, and other gas powered equipment
Common symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu. They can include:
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscle control
• Tightening of the chest
• Convulsions
• Redness of the eyes
• Sleepiness
• Fluttering of the heart
• Confusion
• Ringing in the ear
If you suspect CO poisoning:
• Evacuate everyone immediately to fresh air.
• Call the Regional Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
• Call the local fire department, your oil dealer for oil-burning equipment,
or your gas company for gas-burning appliances.
How can you prevent CO poisoning?
• Have your vehicle's muffler and tailpipe inspected regularly. During
the winter check your tailpipe for blockage due to snow or ice.
• Never leave a car running in the garage. Never sleep in a car with
the engine running.
• Repair gas powered engines (lawnmowers, snow blowers, vehicles, etc.)
in a space with proper ventilation.
• Have heating appliances installed and serviced by professionals on
a regular basis.
• Install a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home and garage.
• Clean your chimney/furnace every fall and check for blockage such
as leaves or animal’s nests.
• Check if extra ventilation is needed when:
• Your home undergoes any major renovation.
• You enclose heating equipment to gain additional living space.
• Never burn charcoal in an enclosed space such as in your home, garage,
or tent.
• Do not use the oven or gas range to heat your home.
• Turn off space heaters and put out the fire in the fireplace/wood
stove when sleeping.
January 2005
More info then you'll ever need (527 CMR 31) Click here