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Quick Facts on Carbon Monoxide (CO)
| What is it? |
A colourless, odorless, tasteless gas. |
| Signs: |
Stuffy air, excessive moisture on windows and
soot around appliances and vents. |
| Symptoms: |
Dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea,
vomiting and loss of muscle control. Can be confused with
influenza. |
| Effects: |
If inhaled, carbon monoxide takes away oxygen
from the blood. Prolonged exposure can lead to
unconsciousness, brain damage or death. |
| Causes: |
Blocked or dirty vents, flues, chimneys and
furnaces, as well as improper ventilation of burning
fireplaces and wood stoves. |
| Deaths: |
Approximately 200 per year (Canada Safety
Council statistics). |
| Prevention: |
Annual inspection and cleaning of: Furnaces -
Chimneys - Fireplaces - Dryers |
Install at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor in your home
Safety Tips to Protect your Family from Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
Every year have a qualified service technician check
the furnace and other fuel-burning equipment for safety and
efficiency.
Make sure a wood or coal burning stove is properly installed and
vented and has adequate combustion air - e.g. open window.
Do not operate a gasoline-powered engine, kerosene stove or
charcoal grill in a closed space.
Clean and inspect your chimneys regularly.
Barbeque grills should never be operated indoors.
Do not leave a vehicle motor running in the garage - even with
the garage doors open.
Do not run exhaust fans, power attic vents or central vacuum
systems continuously.
If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home,
LEAVE RIGHT AWAY
and
CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
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