To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, you should have furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances in your home inspected regularly by authorized service personnel.
See below to learn more about carbon monoxide poisoning and detectors:
What is carbon monoxide poisoning? |
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas often referred to as the "silent killer". When inhaled, it inhibits your blood's capacity to transport oxygen throughout your body. Carbon monoxide can poison you quickly if highly concentrated or slowly over long periods of time. |
How is carbon monoxide generated? |
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete fuel combustion such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline or wood. Incomplete combustion can occur in any device that depends on burning for energy or heat, such as furnaces, room heaters, fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves or grills and any gas powered vehicle or engine. The following can create unsafe levels of carbon monoxide (CO):
When properly installed, maintained and vented, any CO produced by these devices will not stay inside the home. |
What are some symptoms? |
Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness and even loss of consciousness. In severe cases, CO poisoning causes brain damage and death. The elderly, children and people with heart or respiratory conditions may be particularly sensitive to CO. |
What are some danger signs? |
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How can unsafe levels of carbon monoxide be detected? |
Carbon monoxide detectors monitor airborne concentration levels (parts per million) of carbon monoxide and sound an audible alarm when harmful CO levels are present. Be sure that your detector has been certified to the Canadian Standards Association CAN/CGA 6.19 standard or the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard. |
What should I do if I suspect carbon monoxide in my home? |
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Where should I place a carbon monoxide detector in my home? |
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What are some additional safety tips? |
Your knowledge and actions can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and save lives. CO detectors are a good second line of defense, but regular inspections, maintenance and safe use of fuel-burning equipment is equally important. The Office of the Fire Marshal is part of a Carbon Monoxide Awareness Committee (comprised of representatives from industry, government, fire services, public utilities, standards and certification agencies and appliance manufacturers) dedicated to protecting the public against CO hazards through greater awareness and understanding. Additional home heating safety information is available on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority website. |