You can’t see, smell or taste it, but carbon monoxide gas can be deadly

Chief Brett Bowman from the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department says, “The serious incident which just occurred in Washington, DC this week, in which three people were hospitalized, serves as a reminder to ensure that our residents recognize and understand the serious hazard posed by Carbon Monoxide and that they have safety measures in place.”

Understanding the Risk
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas.  Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. 

At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue.  The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?  Carbon Monoxide gas can come from gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles. Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning.  Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

Protect against CO poisoning

Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms.  Make sure the alarm has been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms.  It is very possible to have no symptoms when you hear the alarm.  This does not mean that CO is not present. Here are some other tips, according to Francis J. Teevan, Manassas City fire marshal.

Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.

Never keep a car running in a garage.  Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.

When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house.

The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.

For more information on Carbon Monoxide alarms or other fire prevention topics go to http://www.manassascity.org/fire or call Manassas Fire and Rescue Department at 703-257-8458.