Carbon Monoxide
Sources: Unvented kerosene and gas heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; gas stoves; Automobile exhaust from attached garages; Environmental tobacco smoke.
Health Effects: At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. Fatal at very high concentrations.
Steps to reduce Exposure: Keep gas appliances properly adjusted; consider purchasing vented gas space heaters and furnaces; use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters; install and use exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves; open flues when gas fireplaces are in use; do not idle car inside garage; have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system.
Carbon Monoxide Frequently Asked Questions Links