Carbon Monoxide Brochure

Reducing Your Risk The key to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is good preventive maintenance. All fuel-burning appliances, furnaces and fireplaces should be checked annually. However, even with good maintenance, problems may occur. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that every home have at least one carbon monoxide detector for each floor of the home. If you can afford only one detector, the ideal location is near the bedrooms.

Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to warn you before the carbon monoxide concentration reaches dangerous levels. Both electric and batteryoperated carbon monoxide detectors are available for use in the home. A battery-operated detector is good for use while camping or if you need a portable carbon monoxide detector while traveling. Do not use carbon monoxide detectors that warn potential victims solely through a color change. These sensors do not sound alarms, so they can’t warn people who are sleeping.

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, do not treat it as a false alarm. False alarms are rare. If your alarm sounds: 

Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows and turn off stoves, ovens, heaters and similar appliances and leave the house.



If someone is ill, contact emergency medical services immediately.



Whenever possible, identify and eliminate the source of carbon monoxide.



Contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 immediately from a neighbor’s home or using a phone that is away from the carbon monoxide contamination.

The poison center will advise you if there is a need for medical care and direct you to contact a certified heating and ventilation contractor, the gas company or fuel provider or fire department for additional support if it is needed

IF THE PERSON HAS COLLAPSED OR STOPPED BREATHING, CALL 911.

CARBON MONOXIDE “The Silent Killer”

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CHECKLIST     

Have heating systems inspected annually.

Service gas, oil or kerosene space heaters annually. Allow for good ventilation when in use.

Do not use ovens and grills as heat sources.

Do not idle automobiles in a garage.

Obtain battery back-up carbon monoxide alarms for your home and place near sleeping areas.

TEXAS POISON CENTER NETWORK The Texas Poison Center Network provides a 24hour helpline for any caller in need of medical assistance due to poisoning. Assistance is also available for questions concerning the possible toxicity of a product or medication. Phones are answered by pharmacists and nurses who have access to information on more than a million toxic substances and their antidotes. If necessary, the staff may refer callers to the nearest hospital and assist in the person’s initial and follow-up care.

The Texas Poison Center Network includes six regional poison centers in Texas and the Commission on State Emergency Communications (State 9-1-1). The Poison Centers are located in the following cities: Amarillo, Dallas, El Paso, Galveston, San Antonio and Temple. Free education programs and materials are also available for your group, hospital, organization, facility, school, or other.

TEXAS POISON CENTER NETWORK www.poisoncontrol.org

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE? Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced by burning wood or a fossil fuel such as kerosene, natural gas, gasoline or coal. When cooking or heating appliances are kept in good working order, they produce little CO. Improperly operating appliances that aren’t vented properly can produce fatal concentrations in your home. Running a car or generator in an attached garage or burning charcoal inside the living area for heat can also cause fatal CO poisoning.

HOW DOES CO POISONING WORK? When CO enters the lungs, it quickly attaches on to red blood cells. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

Although anyone can be poisoned by inhaling carbon monoxide, the unborn, young children, persons with respiratory illness, heart disease or anemia and the elderly are at greater risk.

SOME APPLIANCES & EQUIPMENT THAT PRODUCE CO

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING

    

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. More significant exposure may produce an intense thobbing headache, drowsiness, confusion and heart irregularities. High levels of CO inhalation can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. If your “flu-like” symptoms get better when you are away from home but then return when you are at home, you should suspect CO poisoning. Also, if family members who are most affected spend the most time at home, you should suspect CO poisoning. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

DID YOU KNOW... 

Carbon Monoxide is known as the “Silent Killer” because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it.



Carbon monoxide exposure is a leading cause of deaths from poisoning.



Every year, over 5,500 people die of CO poisoning and approximately 20,000 others need medical attention because of it.

 

CO Poisonings occur most often in the Fall and Winter months.

   

Gas and oil furnaces, boilers and water heaters Gas, oil and kerosene space heaters Gas clothes dryers Gas kitchen ranges and ovens Gasoline powered lawn mowers, chain saws and weed eaters Cars, trucks and mopeds Charcoal grills, candles and gas lanterns Generators Fireplaces

Gas water heaters, dryers and oil burners must have flues that vent the carbon monoxide outside. Vent failure can be caused by incorrectly installed venting systems or chimneys; obstructions in chimneys, such as birds’ nests or leaves; a deteriorating chimney; chimneys that are too short; a corroded flue; and appliances that are not equipped with venting systems.

WARM WEATHER CO HAZARDS Gas-fueled lanterns and stoves burned inside a tent, trailer, boat or cabin without proper ventilation Excessive inhalation of exhaust fumes can occur from



The medical treatment for CO poisoning will depend on the amount of carbon monoxide in the blood and the patient’s symptoms. 

Teak surfing or pulling a skier from a boat’s diving platform Diving from or swimming near a houseboat platform Riding in the back of a pickup truck with a camper shell

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE? Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced by burning wood or a fossil fuel such as kerosene, natural gas, gasoline or coal. When cooking or heating appliances are kept in good working order, they produce little CO. Improperly operating appliances that aren’t vented properly can produce fatal concentrations in your home. Running a car or generator in an attached garage or burning charcoal inside the living area for heat can also cause fatal CO poisoning.

HOW DOES CO POISONING WORK? When CO enters the lungs, it quickly attaches on to red blood cells. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

Although anyone can be poisoned by inhaling carbon monoxide, the unborn, young children, persons with respiratory illness, heart disease or anemia and the elderly are at greater risk.

SOME APPLIANCES & EQUIPMENT THAT PRODUCE CO

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING

    

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. More significant exposure may produce an intense thobbing headache, drowsiness, confusion and heart irregularities. High levels of CO inhalation can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. If your “flu-like” symptoms get better when you are away from home but then return when you are at home, you should suspect CO poisoning. Also, if family members who are most affected spend the most time at home, you should suspect CO poisoning. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

DID YOU KNOW... 

Carbon Monoxide is known as the “Silent Killer” because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it.



Carbon monoxide exposure is a leading cause of deaths from poisoning.



Every year, over 5,500 people die of CO poisoning and approximately 20,000 others need medical attention because of it.

 

CO Poisonings occur most often in the Fall and Winter months.

   

Gas and oil furnaces, boilers and water heaters Gas, oil and kerosene space heaters Gas clothes dryers Gas kitchen ranges and ovens Gasoline powered lawn mowers, chain saws and weed eaters Cars, trucks and mopeds Charcoal grills, candles and gas lanterns Generators Fireplaces

Gas water heaters, dryers and oil burners must have flues that vent the carbon monoxide outside. Vent failure can be caused by incorrectly installed venting systems or chimneys; obstructions in chimneys, such as birds’ nests or leaves; a deteriorating chimney; chimneys that are too short; a corroded flue; and appliances that are not equipped with venting systems.

WARM WEATHER CO HAZARDS Gas-fueled lanterns and stoves burned inside a tent, trailer, boat or cabin without proper ventilation Excessive inhalation of exhaust fumes can occur from



The medical treatment for CO poisoning will depend on the amount of carbon monoxide in the blood and the patient’s symptoms. 

Teak surfing or pulling a skier from a boat’s diving platform Diving from or swimming near a houseboat platform Riding in the back of a pickup truck with a camper shell

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE? Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced by burning wood or a fossil fuel such as kerosene, natural gas, gasoline or coal. When cooking or heating appliances are kept in good working order, they produce little CO. Improperly operating appliances that aren’t vented properly can produce fatal concentrations in your home. Running a car or generator in an attached garage or burning charcoal inside the living area for heat can also cause fatal CO poisoning.

HOW DOES CO POISONING WORK? When CO enters the lungs, it quickly attaches on to red blood cells. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

Although anyone can be poisoned by inhaling carbon monoxide, the unborn, young children, persons with respiratory illness, heart disease or anemia and the elderly are at greater risk.

SOME APPLIANCES & EQUIPMENT THAT PRODUCE CO

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING

    

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. More significant exposure may produce an intense thobbing headache, drowsiness, confusion and heart irregularities. High levels of CO inhalation can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. If your “flu-like” symptoms get better when you are away from home but then return when you are at home, you should suspect CO poisoning. Also, if family members who are most affected spend the most time at home, you should suspect CO poisoning. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

DID YOU KNOW... 

Carbon Monoxide is known as the “Silent Killer” because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it.



Carbon monoxide exposure is a leading cause of deaths from poisoning.



Every year, over 5,500 people die of CO poisoning and approximately 20,000 others need medical attention because of it.

 

CO Poisonings occur most often in the Fall and Winter months.

   

Gas and oil furnaces, boilers and water heaters Gas, oil and kerosene space heaters Gas clothes dryers Gas kitchen ranges and ovens Gasoline powered lawn mowers, chain saws and weed eaters Cars, trucks and mopeds Charcoal grills, candles and gas lanterns Generators Fireplaces

Gas water heaters, dryers and oil burners must have flues that vent the carbon monoxide outside. Vent failure can be caused by incorrectly installed venting systems or chimneys; obstructions in chimneys, such as birds’ nests or leaves; a deteriorating chimney; chimneys that are too short; a corroded flue; and appliances that are not equipped with venting systems.

WARM WEATHER CO HAZARDS Gas-fueled lanterns and stoves burned inside a tent, trailer, boat or cabin without proper ventilation Excessive inhalation of exhaust fumes can occur from



The medical treatment for CO poisoning will depend on the amount of carbon monoxide in the blood and the patient’s symptoms. 

Teak surfing or pulling a skier from a boat’s diving platform Diving from or swimming near a houseboat platform Riding in the back of a pickup truck with a camper shell

Reducing Your Risk The key to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is good preventive maintenance. All fuel-burning appliances, furnaces and fireplaces should be checked annually. However, even with good maintenance, problems may occur. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that every home have at least one carbon monoxide detector for each floor of the home. If you can afford only one detector, the ideal location is near the bedrooms.

Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to warn you before the carbon monoxide concentration reaches dangerous levels. Both electric and batteryoperated carbon monoxide detectors are available for use in the home. A battery-operated detector is good for use while camping or if you need a portable carbon monoxide detector while traveling. Do not use carbon monoxide detectors that warn potential victims solely through a color change. These sensors do not sound alarms, so they can’t warn people who are sleeping.

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, do not treat it as a false alarm. False alarms are rare. If your alarm sounds: 

Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows and turn off stoves, ovens, heaters and similar appliances and leave the house.



If someone is ill, contact emergency medical services immediately.



Whenever possible, identify and eliminate the source of carbon monoxide.



Contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 immediately from a neighbor’s home or using a phone that is away from the carbon monoxide contamination.

The poison center will advise you if there is a need for medical care and direct you to contact a certified heating and ventilation contractor, the gas company or fuel provider or fire department for additional support if it is needed

IF THE PERSON HAS COLLAPSED OR STOPPED BREATHING, CALL 911.

CARBON MONOXIDE “The Silent Killer”

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CHECKLIST     

Have heating systems inspected annually.

Service gas, oil or kerosene space heaters annually. Allow for good ventilation when in use.

Do not use ovens and grills as heat sources.

Do not idle automobiles in a garage.

Obtain battery back-up carbon monoxide alarms for your home and place near sleeping areas.

TEXAS POISON CENTER NETWORK The Texas Poison Center Network provides a 24hour helpline for any caller in need of medical assistance due to poisoning. Assistance is also available for questions concerning the possible toxicity of a product or medication. Phones are answered by pharmacists and nurses who have access to information on more than a million toxic substances and their antidotes. If necessary, the staff may refer callers to the nearest hospital and assist in the person’s initial and follow-up care.

The Texas Poison Center Network includes six regional poison centers in Texas and the Commission on State Emergency Communications (State 9-1-1). The Poison Centers are located in the following cities: Amarillo, Dallas, El Paso, Galveston, San Antonio and Temple. Free education programs and materials are also available for your group, hospital, organization, facility, school, or other.

TEXAS POISON CENTER NETWORK www.poisoncontrol.org

Reducing Your Risk The key to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is good preventive maintenance. All fuel-burning appliances, furnaces and fireplaces should be checked annually. However, even with good maintenance, problems may occur. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that every home have at least one carbon monoxide detector for each floor of the home. If you can afford only one detector, the ideal location is near the bedrooms.

Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to warn you before the carbon monoxide concentration reaches dangerous levels. Both electric and batteryoperated carbon monoxide detectors are available for use in the home. A battery-operated detector is good for use while camping or if you need a portable carbon monoxide detector while traveling. Do not use carbon monoxide detectors that warn potential victims solely through a color change. These sensors do not sound alarms, so they can’t warn people who are sleeping.

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, do not treat it as a false alarm. False alarms are rare. If your alarm sounds: 

Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows and turn off stoves, ovens, heaters and similar appliances and leave the house.



If someone is ill, contact emergency medical services immediately.



Whenever possible, identify and eliminate the source of carbon monoxide.



Contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 immediately from a neighbor’s home or using a phone that is away from the carbon monoxide contamination.

The poison center will advise you if there is a need for medical care and direct you to contact a certified heating and ventilation contractor, the gas company or fuel provider or fire department for additional support if it is needed

IF THE PERSON HAS COLLAPSED OR STOPPED BREATHING, CALL 911.

CARBON MONOXIDE “The Silent Killer”

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY CHECKLIST     

Have heating systems inspected annually.

Service gas, oil or kerosene space heaters annually. Allow for good ventilation when in use.

Do not use ovens and grills as heat sources.

Do not idle automobiles in a garage.

Obtain battery back-up carbon monoxide alarms for your home and place near sleeping areas.

TEXAS POISON CENTER NETWORK The Texas Poison Center Network provides a 24hour helpline for any caller in need of medical assistance due to poisoning. Assistance is also available for questions concerning the possible toxicity of a product or medication. Phones are answered by pharmacists and nurses who have access to information on more than a million toxic substances and their antidotes. If necessary, the staff may refer callers to the nearest hospital and assist in the person’s initial and follow-up care.

The Texas Poison Center Network includes six regional poison centers in Texas and the Commission on State Emergency Communications (State 9-1-1). The Poison Centers are located in the following cities: Amarillo, Dallas, El Paso, Galveston, San Antonio and Temple. Free education programs and materials are also available for your group, hospital, organization, facility, school, or other.

TEXAS POISON CENTER NETWORK www.poisoncontrol.org