CHAPTER 5: What You Need To Know About CO
What is CO?
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas produced when fossil fuels do not burn completely, or are exposed to heat (usually fire). Electrical appliances typically do not produce CO.
These fuels include: Wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, and propane.
Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not properly maintained, are improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly. CO is a real danger now that homes are more energy efficient.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be discussed with ALL household members.
Mild Exposure Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue
Medium Exposure Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide can cause brain damage, death.
CAUTION!
Some individuals are more sensitive to CO than others, including people with cardiac or respiratory problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant mothers, or elderly people can be more quickly and severely affected by CO. Members of sensitive populations should consult their doctors for advice on taking additional precautions.
Finding the Source of CO
After an Alarm
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas, which often makes it difficult to locate the source of CO after an alarm. These are a few of the factors that can make it difficult to locate sources of CO:
•House well ventilated before the investigator arrives.
•Problem caused by “backdrafting.”
•Transient CO problem caused by special circumstances.
BRK Brands, Inc. shall not be obligated to pay for any carbon monoxide investigation or service call.
14
