Carbon Monoxide Safety

More than 3,000 children 14 years of age and under are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning in hospital emergency rooms each year in the United States.

• You can't see or smell carbon monoxide (CO), but it can be deadly.
• If fuel-burning appliances (fireplaces, wood stoves, gas stoves and furnaces, etc.) aren't working properly, the CO emitted can reach dangerous levels.
• Many of the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to flu: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.
• Install CO alarms outside bedrooms. Visit your local hardware or all-purpose store to buy a CO alarm. They range in price from $20 to $80.
• Have a qualified professional inspect all fuel-burning appliances each year.
• Make sure your furnaces, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and gas appliances are properly vented and inspected annually by a professional.

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development