Carbon monoxide has been in the news a LOT lately. With the legislation for mandatory carbon monoxide detectors starting in October, and Carbon Monoxide awareness week at the start of November, it seems to be everywhere.
What is the big deal with Carbon Monoxide? Well, Carbon monoxide has no taste, smell or colour, and is caused by the incomplete burn of fuels. This means that if there is a build up of carbon monoxide in your home or workplace, you may suffer the symptoms, but attribute it to something else.
What are the symptoms? If you are suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning, you will have flu-like symptoms – nausea, headache, vomiting, dizzyness, but no fever.
What should you do if symptoms are present? Clear the building. Do the symptoms go away once you are away from the building? Call 9-1-1 for assistance and seek medical help.
How do you prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning? Have a carbon monoxide detector installed outside ALL sleeping areas. Make sure you know how it works, and what the beeps mean (some have low battery indicators, some are combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors). Change the back-up battery regularly.
Get all fuel burning appliances inspected annually by licensed and trained technicians. A blocked heat exchanger or chimney could result in carbon monoxide production.
NEVER run generators inside or within 20 feet of windows and doors. Don’t run them in the garage. Don’t let your vehicle idle in your garage (whether the door is open or closed).
The side effects of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are more severe in children and expectant mothers.
The Ontario Fire Marshall is in charge of enforcing the new legislation as it was added to the Ontario Fire Code.