Carbon Monoxide | Fire Department

Yakima Fire Department

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, toxic gas that has the molecular formula CO. The molecule consists of a carbon atom that is triply bonded to an oxygen atom.

Carbon Monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of the fossil fuels - gas, oil, coal, wood used in boilers, engines, oil burners, gas fires, water heaters, solid fuel appliances and open fires.

How Does it Harm Me?

Carbon Monoxide poisons by entering the lungs via the normal breathing mechanism and displacing oxygen from the bloodstream. Interruption of the normal supply of oxygen puts at risk the functions of the heart, brain and other vital functions of the body.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of fatal poisoning in the United States. It has been estimated that more than 40,000 people per year seek medical attention for carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States.

According to the National Safety Council, 200-300 unintentional-injury deaths a year are due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The dangers of CO exposure depend on a number of variables, including the victim's health and activity level. Infants, pregnant women, and people with physical conditions that limit their body's ability to use oxygen (i.e. emphysema, asthma, heart disease) can be more severely affected by lower concentrations of CO than healthy adults would be.

A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.

Basic Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

Have flues and chimneys checked for security and blockages. Have flues and chimneys checked for security and blockages.

At the beginning of every heating season have a trained professional check all your fuel-burning appliances such as oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fire places and wood stoves.

Install and maintain appliances according to the manufacturers' instructions.

Never idle the car in the garage whether or not the door of the garage is opened or closed; fumes can build up quickly and contaminate the air in the garage and living area of your home.

Never use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

Never use a charcoal grill indoors.

Never sleep in a room heated by a gas or kerosene space heater that does not have proper venting.

Do not use any gasoline-powered engines such as mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators in enclosed spaces.

Install a carbon monoxide detector in your recreational vehicle, camper, or motor home.

Make a point of actually installing your carbon monoxide detector and not leave it hanging around in your toolboxes or on workbenches.

Where do I put my Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Near the sleeping area is the best choice according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A second detector located near the home�s heating source adds an extra measure of safety.

What do I look for when purchasing a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Look for a detector with the UL seal. The seal guarantees that the product has passed 36 tests in the areas of performance, safety, and accuracy. Another important feature to look for is a test button. This button allows you to ensure the unit is operating correctly and that the battery still has power, just like a smoke detector.