Healthy Homes: Carbon Monoxide

This is the third post in our series on Healthy Homes.

The scary thing about carbon monoxide is that you can not see, taste, feel, or smell it. However, it is dangerous and can be deadly. But there are steps you can take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning!

First, it is important to know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble breathing.

Second, it is important to know what you can do to prevent carbon monoxide from building up in your home.  Some tips are listed below.

• Never use charcoal grills or run engines inside your home.
• Never warm up a vehicle inside the garage.
• Have a heating contractor check your furnace and chimneys every fall.
• Make sure your chimney is in good shape, clean, and working properly. Burning wood produces carbon monoxide, so it is important to make sure all of the smoke goes out the chimney.
• Never use the kitchen stove or oven to heat your home.
• Turn on the kitchen exhaust fan when using a nonelectric oven or stove.

Finally, the most important tip: Install carbon monoxide alarms near each sleeping area and on each floor of your home. A carbon monoxide alarm will sound when carbon monoxide levels become too high. If the alarm goes off, get outside immediately and call your local emergency number.

Thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture and the Healthy Homes Initiative for providing these tips. Check back tomorrow for more tips on healthy homes!