The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Any home with fuel-burning appliances can be at risk for carbon monoxide problems. A buildup of exposure to carbon monoxide in the home is potentially dangerous and can cause sickness or be fatal.  
 
It is important to know the dangers of carbon monoxide and how you can best protect your home, pets and family.  
 

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of natural gas when it burns. Sources of possible carbon monoxide leaks in the home include gas powered appliances such as ovens, stoves, hot water heaters, furnaces, clothes dryer, gas fireplaces, and vehicles running in an attached garage (EPA). When fuel is burned from these sources, it produces CO. 

 
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air, making it exceedingly difficult to know if CO is present in the home. If CO builds up in the home, it can combust and/or cause death by suffocation (CO poisoning). Every year, at least 420 people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning and at least 100,000 people visit the emergency department (CDC).  
 

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide 

Carbon monoxide can be produced from very typical household items and since CO is a colorless and odorless gas, it makes it exceedingly difficult to detect without a CO alarm. Carbon monoxide is a common hazard in the home, and it can affect people differently. Breathing air with a high concentration of CO interferes with oxygen delivery in the body. CO can stay in the body for hours and the effects depend on how healthy a person is, the concentration of CO in the air, and how long they were breathing it in. Too much carbon monoxide in the body can lead to CO poisoning and may be fatal.  

 

Carbon Monoxide Symptoms 

Carbon monoxide symptoms tend to mimic the flu but without a fever. CO displaces oxygen in the bloodstream when inhaled, which can cause symptoms such as: headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and confusion (CDC). Even low concentrations of CO can cause symptoms if left undetected for a long enough time. 

 
Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to alarm prior to symptoms developing in the average healthy person, but people with health conditions, young children, or pets may begin to experience symptoms prior to an alarm going off. Do not rely on symptoms alone to know if there is CO in your home, it is best to have a CO alarm installed to detect it early.    
 

Carbon Monoxide Incidents 

Carbon monoxide incidents can happen anywhere where fuel-burning appliances exist. Below are a few incidents that occurred in January 2024.  

 
Home Incident  
A family of five in Portland, Oregon was hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning. Fire and rescue crews said the family was running a generator and using a propane camp stove indoors because their building had lost power. Outdoor cooking appliances should not be used indoors as CO can build up in an enclosed space. Fortunately, a neighbor noticed the family needed medical attention and called for help. The family was expected to be okay. (KPTV) 

 

School Incident  
A middle school in Cedar City, Utah is switching to online classes for a couple of days after carbon monoxide was detected inside. Some students and teachers reported having headaches, feeling dizzy, and nauseous. One CO alarm in the school went off. A few students were hospitalized and had to have breathing treatments. The school building and CO detectors were tested, but some parents did not feel safe sending their students back to school. (Fox13) 

 

Hotel Incident  
In Spencer, Iowa, crews responded to a Holiday Inn Express and Suites because monitoring equipment showed elevated levels of CO inside. Five guests were evacuated, and one person was taken to the hospital. According to officials, a faulty heating system could be the reason. (Storm Lake Radio) 
 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors  

If there are fuel-burning appliances or equipment in the home, there can be a risk of carbon monoxide being released into the air. A carbon monoxide alarm will alert homeowners of dangerous levels of CO inside the home. Many states require carbon monoxide detectors in homes.  

 
The best way to help prevent home damages, injuries, or death from CO is to invest in the proper alarms.  
 

DeNova Detect  

DeNova Detect’s 10-year, 100% battery-powered combo alarm detects BOTH natural gas leaks and carbon monoxide. This is ideal for a home that has both fuel-burning appliances/equipment and uses natural gas. Being battery-powered, it allows homeowners to easily place the alarm in its optimal placement and it is not impacted by power outages. The batteries do not need to be replaced for 10 years. Protect your family and home from the dangers of natural gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.  

 
Equip your home with the best in gas safety. Visit www.denovadetect.com.