Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, deadly gas.  It is the result of the burning process, and is produced anytime there is a flame or fire.  Burners that are out of adjustment, or fires that are not getting enough oxygen will produce even more carbon monoxide.

Some common producers of CO in our homes include:

Furnaces (Natural Gas), Hot Water Tanks (Natural Gas), Automobiles, Gas Stoves & Ovens, Fireplaces, Wood Burning Stoves, Kerosene Space Heaters, Gas Space Heaters, Gas Dryers, BBQ Grills, and Lawn mowers

If properly maintained and used, these items present very little danger.  Fuel burning appliances normally have a flue or a vent to carry way what little CO they produce, or they are meant to be used in a well ventilated area.

If your vent or chimney becomes clogged by debris or animal nests, or the inside vent pipe is broken, rusted or pulled apart, the CO will backup into your home instead.

A cracked heat exchanger in the furnace may allow flue gasses to enter the air being circulated in your home.

BBQ grills release CO, especially charcoal grills.  This is why they should ONLY be used outside!

Automobiles emit CO in the exhaust.  Running the car in a closed garage may allow fumes to seep into your home.

How does carbon monoxide affect us?

CO interferes with the blood's ability to pick up oxygen from our lungs and carry it out through our body.  Symptoms of CO poisoning include: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and confusion.  The symptoms are very similar to the flu.  At high concentrations, unconsciousness and death may result.

A long term exposure to low concentrations can have the same effect as a short exposure to a higher concentration.

How do you know if you may have a CO problem?

• Did everyone in the house become ill at about the same time?
• Do you feel better after being away for a period of time?
• Do you have fuel burning appliances that may be malfunctioning?

For your safety:

• Install CO Detectors near sleeping areas in your home!

• If your detector goes off, get out of the house - FAST!

• Call 911 from a neighbors home!

If you have concerns about the functionality of a detector in your home, please call the Fire Division Offices (614-583-5100) for assistance!

Upper Arlington Fire Fighters, P.O.Box 21271, Upper Arlington, Ohio, USA, 43221
Any questions, inquires or comments?  Let us know!

Our family serving your family since 1930!