Homes & Gardens: Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas that is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels. For example, burning charcoal or running a car produces CO. If properly installed, ventilated and maintained most household appliances produce little CO. However, if something prevents ventilation, like a clogged chimney, CO levels in your home can rise to dangerous levels.

Use these simple tips to prevent excess CO in your home:

Furnace

Check the pilot light – it should be mostly blue and steady
Ensure it is free of dust and rust
Call a qualified technician if you notice any corrosion or broken piping

Chimney

A clogged chimney – check for bird’s nests or overgrowth of outdoor wall plants that can creep inside
Check for soot buildup in the chimney

Other

Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment, such as camping stoves or lanterns, indoors
Do not run an automobile for an extended period in an attached garage as fumes can seep into the house quickly
Ensure nothing is blocking the vents on the clothes dryer

To protect your family, install a CO alarm on every floor of your home. Placement of CO alarms are critical. Place them away from smoke detectors and near sleeping areas. Do not place a CO alarm directly above or beside fuel burning appliances as they emit small amounts of CO upon start-up. The alarm should be approximately 15 feet away from any fuel burning appliance.

(From Home-Link Services Canada Newsletter, Winter 2006)

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