Are You at Risk Against the Silent Killer? Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

While 60% of Americans say they are more confident they can prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning than a serious fall down the stairs at home, the results from a recent survey by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) paints a different picture, and it’s not a rosy one.

Dubbed the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas that kills 500 people and sends 20,000 more to the hospital each year.  According to a UL press release, their safety testing survey reveals that consumers may not be equipped with the right information to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of CO poisoning.  Here are some sobering statistics – 62% could not correctly detect CO poisoning symptoms, which typically result in flu-like symptoms, and 70% do not inspect common household sources of CO emission, such as a furnace or hot water heater, at least once a year.  Additional survey results point to the lack of general knowledge about preventing CO poisoning –

• 60% of Americans could not identify any potential signs of a CO leak in the home.
• Only one in five Americans knew that rusting on flue pipes – one of the most telling signs – signified a risk of a CO leak.
• Two-thirds of Americans don’t know what common household items can potentially emit CO, like hot water heaters, charcoal grills, and portable generators.

“It’s evident we all need to be more aware and take the necessary steps to protect our loved ones from CO poisoning,” says John Drengenberg, director of Consumer Safety at UL.  “You may not be able to see it, taste it or smell it, but something as simple as installing a CO alarm, knowing what to look for and what to do if your alarm sounds, could make a huge difference in helping prevent unnecessary tragedy.”  

Drengenberg adds that CO is produced and emitted by incomplete burning of fuel, such as propane, kerosene, gasoline, oil, natural gas, wood and charcoal; and because it is odorless and colorless, people can be exposed to CO without even knowing it.  However, CO poisoning is avoidable and preventable.

UL recommends a three-part strategy that consumers can easily rely on to protect themselves and their loved ones from CO poisonous – INSPECT, PROTECT and DETECT.  First, be alert to danger signs and have a qualified technician INSPECT your home once a year.  Potential signs of CO leaks could include-

• Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliances
• Moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms
• Fallen soot from the fireplace or small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney
• Fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves require yearly maintenance.

Second, PROTECT your home by purchasing and installing a CO alarm -

• Purchase and install UL-LISTED CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement and any other locations required by applicable laws.
• Plus, make sure to test your detector monthly and replace the battery at least once a year.

And third, be ready to react when you DETECT a problem -

If a CO alarm sounds, don’t disable it.  Immediately open windows and doors for ventilation and move to a fresh air location outdoors.  Make sure everyone from inside the home is accounted for and call for help from a fresh air location.