Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas. It has no color or odor. CO can kill people before they even know it is present.

Small amounts of CO can cause symptoms similar to those of the flu. A person may have a headache or feel dizzy and confused. There may be nausea or tiredness. Higher levels of CO can cause a person to pass out or even die.

CO can come into your house from an attached garage. It can also come from any fuel-burning device that is not working properly or is not properly installed. It is important to take proper care of any fuel-burning devices in the home.

It is also important to install CO alarms near sleeping areas. They can alert the household to the presence of CO leaks.

News for You®, Vol. 52, No. 42. October 20, 2004. New Readers Press, division of ProLiteracy Worldwide. Adapted by permission.