Carbon Monoxide

The gas carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, tasteless and poisonous. Nearly 1,800 people die each year from carbon monoxide exposure and about 10,000 more seek medical attention for it. Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, but infants, children, senior citizens and people with carbon monoxide coronary or respiratory problems stand the greatest risk.

The Shawnee Fire Department recommends that every home have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes thousands of deaths each year because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless and often goes undetected until it's too late.

If you have any questions about Carbon monoxide detectors or their installation please call the Shawnee Fire Department at (913) 631-1080.

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion, which means it is emitted when any fuel is burned. Common sources of carbon monoxide in the home include:

Blocked chimney opening
Clogged chimney
Portable heater
Gas or wood burning fireplace
Improperly installed gas kitchen range or carbon monoxide top vent
Gas clothes dryer
Operating barbecue grill in enclosed area such as a garage
Corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipe
Leaking chimney pipe or flue
Cracked heat exchanger
Automobile exhaust

All of these sources can contribute to a carbon monoxide problem in the home. If a home is vented properly and is free from appliance malfunctions, air pressure fluctuations or airway blockages, carbon monoxide will most likely be safely vented to the outside. But in today's energy efficient homes this is frequently not the case. Insulation meant to keep warm air in during winter months can trap carbon monoxide polluted air in a home year round. Furnace heat exchangers can crack, vents can become blocked, inadequate air supply for combustion appliances can cause conditions known as back drafting or reverse stacking, which force contaminated air back into the home.

How will you know if carbon monoxide is present in your home? You won't without a carbon monoxide detector. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, without a fever. Dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headache and irregular breathing are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. You should be concerned if you have any of these symptoms and they disappear when you leave your house, only to return when you get home.

The Shawnee Fire Department recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide detector per household, near the sleeping area. A second detector near the home's heat source provides extra protection. Choose an Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) listed detector that sounds an audible alarm.

Have your heating system, including chimney and vents, serviced by a licensed technician each year.
Have your chimney checked and cleaned if you use a wood or coal-burning stove.
Install one, preferably two carbon monoxide detectors in you home. Read, understand and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.
Test your carbon monoxide detectors on a regular basis to ensure they are working properly.
Provide some ventilation in the winter, ever if it's just a slightly open window.
Ensure only qualified technicians install fuel-burning appliances.
Read, understand and follow the manufacturer's directions for all fuel-burning appliances in your home.
Service your motor vehicle on a regular basis to keep it running correctly.
Seek medical attention and call 911 if you feel any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dial 9-1-1 and evacuate your home immediately if your carbon monoxide detector sounds. Leave your doors and windows closed so the Fire Department can more accurately determine if carbon monoxide is present.

Never heat your home with the oven or range burner.
Never install carbon monoxide detectors that do not meet the requirements of UL 2034.
Never idle your automobile, even for a minute, in your garage.
Never perform your own maintenance on fuel-burning appliances. Hire a licensed technician.
Never attempt to bypass a safety device on any fuel-burning appliance.
Never ignore a smell of fuel. This indicates a problem with the appliance or a leak in the fuel system.
Never run snow blowers, lawn mowers or similar appliances inside your garage.
Never use gas or charcoal grills inside a garage.
Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm.
Never drive a vehicle with a defective or leaking exhaust system.

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Carbon Monoxide