Carbon Monoxide Not a Harmless, Colorless Gas

It's colorless and odorless. It's tasteless and virtually undetectable. It can be deadly when inhaled.

"It" is carbon monoxide (CO) and is responsible for hundreds of deaths a year.

You read and hear about it in the news too often: Occupant of home found dead due to carbon monoxide poisoning. In Truckee recently, two men died of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by their home's heating ventilation.

I became highly aware of the dangers today as I was having my new furnace installed. On Thanksgiving morning I was up early and getting ready for a day of cooking when my heater decided to not start. Gary Lefler from All Seasons Plumbing came by to look at the furnace which I estimate to be about 24 years old. Because of the age and the cost of the repair, we decide to replace instead of fixing. Boy, am I glad I did! Gary found 2 large cracks in my heat exchanger which means it was leaking carbon monoxide into my home.

I decided to do some research and share the results. Not all carbon monoxide poising comes from the heater (or other fuel burning appliance). Many more die from the CO produced by idling cars. Those that died in their home may have been saved by the installation of a CO detector. These fairly inexpensive devices will alert you of the presence of the deadly gas. Meek's Lumber in South Lake Tahoe carries the battery operated detectors for $19.99 and the type that plug in go for $45. There is even one that detects fire, smoke and carbon monoxide that Meek's carries for $35. Buzz Bera, South Lake Tahoe Meek's Branch Manager, says they sell many detectors annually so many are aware of their benefits (install a minimum of one per floor). I will be there today to make my purchase!

Some of the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning at the moderate level are severe headaches, becoming dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. Low level symptoms include shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches. Some of these symptoms can be the same as the flu, food poisoning or other illnesses so you may not assume CO poisoning. If you experience symptoms that you think could be from exposure to carbon monoxide, open doors and windows immediately, turn off the appliance that you feel is causing it, and leave the home. Go to the emergency room and tell the doctor you suspect CO poisoning.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency there are some key points to preventing CO poisoning:

1) Have your gas and other fuel burning appliances inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of each heating season.
2) Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, maintain them per the instructions and have them properly installed.
3) Read all instructions before using fuel burning devices.
4) Call the EPA at 800-434-4318 if you ever have questions.
5) Don't idle your car in the garage even if the door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up quickly in the garage and into the living space.
6) Don't use a gas oven to heat your home, even if for a short time.
7) Don't ever use charcoal inside your home, not even in the fire place.
8) Don't sleep in a room with a unvented gas or kerosene heater.
9) Don't use any gasoline powered engines in enclosed spaces.
10) Don't ignore symptoms. You could loose consciousness and die if you do nothing.