What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion, created whenever fuel is burned. Common household appliances such as gas or oil furnaces, gas clothes dryers, gas ranges, gas water heaters or space heaters and fireplaces produce carbon monoxide. Cars and gas-powered lawn mowers also create carbon monoxide.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

Because you can't smell, see or taste carbon monoxide, it can kill you before you know its there. Carbon monoxide is attracted to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, making the cells unable to absorb the oxygen they need to function. The early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning include unexplained flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath and mental confusion. As carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream increase, a person may experience loss of consciousness, brain damage and even death.

Is my home safe?

If a home is vented properly, appliances are properly installed and maintained, and there are no air pressure fluctuations or airway blockages, carbon monoxide will most likely be safely vented to the outside. The number of fatalities from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning has decreased significantly during the last 50 years. But it is important to remain vigilant and take steps to further reduce any risk to yourself or your family. Below are some safety tips and instructions on what to do if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak.

What should I do if I suspect carbon monoxide is present in my home?

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home take the following steps IMMEDIATELY:

• Turn off and stop using the suspected appliance.
• Leave the house and walk to a neighbor's house.
• Seek medical attention if anyone in your home is experiencing possible symptoms.
• Contact CoServ at our 24-Hour Emergency Number: 940-321-7800 or 1-800-274-4014 or contact a licensed heating contractor immediately to have the appliance inspected.
• Do not use the suspected gas appliance until it has been inspected, serviced and determined to be safe by CoServ or a licensed heating contractor.

What else can I do to keep my home safe while using natural gas?

• Carbon monoxide alarms provide an extra level of safety if routinely maintained and replaced every 3 - 5 years. Note that even with alarms in place, gas appliances should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis.
• Always turn off your automobile immediately upon entering your garage. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 61% of all unintentional, non-fire CO fatalities (327 CO deaths annually) were attributed to motor vehicle exhaust between 1993 and 1997.
• Have your home heating system and natural gas equipment inspected by a qualified professional annually.
• Never use your oven, range or outdoor barbecue to heat your home.
• Avoid lint build-up in your furnace floor and clean inside the burner compartment of built-in vented wall furnaces once a month.
• Do not place rugs, furniture or other items over the furnace grill or block the airflow. Do not store items nearby that might stop airflow.
• Check the filters in central forced-air furnaces monthly for lint build-up and clean or replace if necessary.
• Never operate a central forced-air furnace without ensuring that the front panel door fits snuggly.
• Do not use un-vented gas heaters in any room.

Information provided by the American Gas Association