Odorless, tasteless, invisible carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly threat. Although it results in hundreds of fatalities every year, its causes and detection methods remain a mystery to most people. Build-ups resulting from incomplete combustion of any flame-fueled, i.e., non-electric, device combined with poor ventilation can produce tragic results especially at night when every one in the home is asleep. Here's some information you can use to protect yourself and your family.

How is carbon monoxide produced?

By the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels: gas, oil, coal and wood used in boilers, engines, oil burners, gas fires, water heaters, solid fuel appliances and open fires.

How does it accumulate?

Several ways if fuel does not burn properly. CO concentrations can accumulate as a result of the poor installation, lack of maintenance or damage to an appliance that is in use. If rooms are poorly ventilated, CO cannot escape. Gradual build up of CO in the house, especially at night when everyone is asleep, becomes a major hazard.

What are the effects?

Depending on concentration in the air, CO produces a variety of physiological effects ranging from slight headaches to dizziness, nausea, and convulsions to permanent neurological damage to death.

CO Protection Safeguards

• Check the flame color of your appliances. If it is orange, you have a problem.
• Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside the house.
• Have your chimney, fireplace, furnaces, gas water heater and other fuel-based appliances checked and cleaned by trained specialists every year.
• Make sure your home has adequate ventilation.
• Make sure your garage has adequate ventilation if your car engine is running.
• IMPORTANT: Make sure you install CO detector alarms in your home. Place them on walls (about 10 feet up) with special attention to locating them near sleeping areas. They are the most important safeguard for you and your family. Safety experts recommend carbon monoxide detectors with a low-level indicator. Some plug into electrical outlets; others are battery-operated.

Home CO Detectors Are Mandatory in MA

You are required by Massachusetts law to install working CO detectors. In fact, owners are not permitted to sell a home without them. There are battery-operated and hard-wired CO detectors on the market plus combination smoke-CO alarms. Detectors should be placed within 10 feet of every bedroom, and in every habitable level of your home. Your local fire department can advise you on the proper locations and positioning for your detectors.

For your online copy of the Consumer's Guide to Massachusetts Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms go to www.mass.gov/dfs homepage and click on "Carbon Monoxide Detectors" in RELATED LINKS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION use your favorite online search engine and enter “carbon monoxide”. Some information for this article came from www.carbonmonoxidekills.com.