Understanding Carbon Monoxide: Risks, Sources, and Safety Tips
- Breathing carbon monoxide can cause serious health issues, including carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
- It can be found indoors and outdoors and contributes to ground-level ozone, which is harmful to health and the environment.
- Carbon monoxide is lighter than air, allowing it to spread easily in spaces like:
About Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that:
- has no smell, taste, or color
- can be detected only with a carbon monoxide alarm
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause serious health issues, including carbon monoxide poisoning and death. It decreases your blood’s ability to carry oxygen. You may feel its effects before realizing it is present.
Carbon monoxide comes from burning fuels. It can be found indoors and outdoors and contributes to ground-level ozone, which is harmful to health and the environment.
Carbon monoxide is lighter than air, allowing it to spread easily in spaces like:
- homes
- garages
- sheds
- cottages
- campers
To protect your health:
- Recognize symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Minimize your risk of exposure.
- Leave immediately if your carbon monoxide alarm sounds.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is generated when fuels are burned, including:
- oil
- coal
- butane
- propane
- natural gas
- wood or wood pellets
- gasoline
Common household appliances that can emit carbon monoxide include:
- dryers
- hot water tanks
- furnaces
- fireplaces
- wood and pellet stoves
Carbon monoxide is also produced when burning tobacco products, using fuel-burning equipment, and operating vehicles.
Examples of other equipment that generates carbon monoxide include:
- generators
- snowblowers
- lighting equipment
- outdoor cooking appliances like grills and camping stoves
- yard equipment like lawn mowers
Using these items in poorly ventilated areas can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide levels.
Higher Risk of Exposure
Cold months, especially fall and winter, increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure indoors. Most Canadian homes heat with fuel-burning appliances.
Indoor Appliances
Indoor appliances can release carbon monoxide if they:
- malfunction
- are not vented properly
- are poorly installed or maintained
Some appliances rely on electricity for ventilation. Use them carefully during power outages, as they might cause a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide indoors.
Outdoor Equipment
Risk of exposure increases when using outdoor fuel-burning equipment in indoor or poorly ventilated spaces. These places include:
- tents
- homes
- campers
- garages or sheds
- cottages or cabins
- areas near an air intake