by Linda Mason Hunter

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a nasty indoor pollutant generally produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel. Gas ranges, furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves are common household sources. Breathing small amounts of CO can make you sick - sometimes very sick, and breathing large amounts can kill you. Symptoms include constant headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness.

Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of fatal poisonings in America today. The problem becomes particularly urgent in winter when storm windows, weather stripping and sealers keep the house tight and windows are rarely opened. Any home with a furnace, water heater, fireplace, wood stove, space heater, or appliance that operates on a flammable fuel is a candidate for carbon monoxide build-up.

To avoid carbon monoxide build-up and possible poisoning, take these precautions:

• Get a good carbon monoxide detector and install it high on a wall or ceiling above all fuel sources. Just like smoke detectors, these devices use an alarm that sounds when a certain level of carbon monoxide is present. This precaution has been recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the past few years, and has already saved many lives.
• Every autumn, before the heating season starts, have a reputable heating company inspect your furnace, flue and the vent connector pipe. Replace any rusted or damaged parts. If converting from one type of fuel to another, get a qualified technician to do the work. If you didn't do that, be sure to have an inspection this year.
• Make sure your gas range has an exhaust fan vented directly to the outside. Use the fan every time you cook. A re-circulating fan won't do the job; it simply brings pollutants back into the kitchen.
• Vent all fuel-burning appliances directly to the outside.
• Never use a gas range or oven to heat a room, even in a power outage.
• Never ignore a safety device when it shuts off an appliance. It is telling you that something is wrong with the appliance. Read your appliance instructions to find out what to do or have a professional inspection.
• Never ignore the smell of fuel. This usually indicates that the appliance isn't operating properly. If you suspect a fuel leak, have it fixed as soon as possible.
• Never use a charcoal grill inside the house. Even in a fireplace, fumes may back up into the room.
• Do not warm your car up in the garage - even with the door open. Carbon monoxide levels can build up quickly, and if your garage is attached to the house, fumes can seep inside.

© 2007 Green Home, Inc.