What is carbon monoxide?
Like any fuel, natural gas needs enough oxygen from combustion air to burn safely and completely. Without enough oxygen, the burn is incomplete and carbon monoxide (CO) results. CO is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas. Because you can’t see, taste or smell it, CO is known as the silent killer.
CO is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, displacing oxygen, eventually resulting in brain damage or death. Dangerous levels of CO can especially affect unborn babies, infants and people with anemia or a history of heart disease.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
Physical symptoms of CO poisoning vary, depending on the amount of CO absorbed into the bloodstream. The more CO in the air, the less oxygen in the blood and greater the danger.
| Mild exposure | Medium exposure | Severe exposure |
| Slight headache | Severe headache | Unconsciousness |
| Nausea | Drowsiness | Convulsions |
| Vomiting | Confusion | Cardiac/respiratory failure |
| Fatigue | Rapid heart rate | Death |
What to do if you suspect CO in your home or business:
- Leave the premises and get fresh air immediately.
- Call 9-1-1.
- If experiencing the flu-like symptoms of CO poisoning, seek medical attention.
- Call East Bay Gas Line for an emergency inspection.
- Do not return to your home or business until the source of CO has been discovered and the problem has been corrected.
How do I reduce the risk of CO poisoning?
You can prevent CO poisoning through proper appliance installation, maintenance and use. Follow these steps to protect you and your family.
- Have a qualified professional annually inspect your
heating and cooling equipment. The contractor should check appliance vents for corrosion and blockage. The appliance itself should be checked for cleanliness, proper adjustment and approved connectors. - Never operate a vehicle, lawn mower, snow blower or other fuel burning equipment in an attached garage, even with the door open.
- Do not use your gas range or oven for heat. Never burn charcoal indoors.
- When camping, do not operate a fuel-burning heater, lantern, or stove inside your tent or camper without proper ventilation. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
- Make sure your clothes dryer is properly vented and free of lint.
Why should I open a window when I have a fire in the fireplace?
It’s important that your home has adequate outside air for combustion when you have a fire in the fireplace. Insufficient air for combustion may result in a back-venting condition where outside air is pulled into the home through
Newer homes in have been required to have a fresh air duct from the outside to the cold air return of the furnace. This is designed to provide adequate air for the combustion process in the furnace and water heater. However, the air duct may not be sized to also provide sufficient outside air for a fire in the fireplace.
Therefore, when you have a fire in your fireplace, it’s important that you crack a window one to two inches.
Why install a carbon monoxide detector?While the first line of defense against CO poisoning is a regular inspection of your heating and venting systems by a qualified contractor, a CO detector can be a useful second line of defense.
Like smoke detectors, there are many CO detectors to choose from. When you purchase a CO detector, be sure it conforms to Underwriters Laboratories standard (UL) 2034. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions. Mount your CO detector in or near bedrooms and living areas, so you can hear the alarm from all sleeping areas. Look for these CO detector features:
- Audible alarm that stops automatically within minutes when CO dissipates.
- UL 2034 approved or American Gas Association certified.
- Light indicating power is on. Digital display that signals low levels of CO.
- Test button to verify that the detector is working.
- Manual hush/reset button that silences alarm, but sensor remains active so the unit continues taking readings.
- Manufacturer’s warranty – indicates life of equipment.
- Peak level memory button.
- Intermittent alarm to indicate a problem with the circuitry.
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