You can’t see it or smell it, but carbon monoxide can be as serious a threat in your home as it is in your automobile.

     Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless tasteless and potentially dangerous gas. It is a by-product from incomplete burning of carbon-containing fuels such as coal, gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, oil and wood.

     Every home, should have a carbon monoxide as well as smoke detector installed in strategic locations to alert occupants of danger from either hazard. Properly installed carbon monoxide detectors can alert people by sounding a warning before carbon monoxide levels in the blood become dangerously high.

     Each year, hundreds of people are killed and thousands of people are injured as a result of exposure to Carbon Monoxide. In fact, CO causes more accidental poisonings in America than any other chemical substance.

     Carbon Monoxide poisoning symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, headache, weakness, loss of muscle control, chest tightness, heart fluttering, sleepiness, redness of the skin, confusion, vomiting and diarrhea. Carbon Monoxide poisoning should be suspected if more than one member of the family is sick and if they feel better after being away from the home for a period of time.

     People who suspect they have been exposed to carbon monoxide, should immediately seek fresh air, if symptoms linger, they should see their doctor quickly.

     To avoid problems, homeowners should make an annual inspection of all fuel burning systems, gas appliances and fireplaces for proper combustion and ventilation.

     Chimney and flue pipes should be free of cracks and ill fitting seams. All gas flame either of heating systems or of kitchen ranges should be blue in color. A yellow flame or a flame that is excessively high, noisy and sputtering indicates improper combustion, and possible unsafe levels of carbon monoxide emissions.

     Charcoal should never be used indoors, especially in a fireplace. Its burning emits high carbon monoxide levels. Wood burning can also be hazardous if the fireplace flue is not clear, or if the wood burning stove is not vented.

     Gas ovens or ranges should never be used to heat the room. During winter, many residents insulate windows and doors to prevent drafts. Prolonged use of a gas oven or portable heater in an insulated area will diminish the supply of oxygen and generate carbon monoxide that can reach lethal levels.

     Fresh air is the quickest antidote to carbon monoxide poisoning. Use common sense when keeping warm this winter.