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Thornton Fire Department

Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. At least 1,500 people die and 10,000 become ill from carbon monoxide poisoning each year.

• Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating. It is a by-product of combustion produced by common household appliances such as gas furnaces, water heaters, space heaters and clothes dryers. Barbecue grills, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, gas ovens, and car exhaust fumes entering a home from an attached garage, are also potential sources of CO in the home.

• Low level symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu and often misdiagnosed. Headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness are all non-specific symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Once in the bloodstream, carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells, preventing life-sustaining oxygen from reaching vital organs in the body such as the brain and heart.

• While everyone is at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning, medical experts report that children, unborn babies, the elderly and those with heart or lung disorders are at greater risk of CO poisoning at lower thresholds of exposure.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is preventable. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommend every home have at least one carbon monoxide alarm, with an audible warning signal, installed near the sleeping area of each home. Without a carbon monoxide alarm’s warning, you may not be aware CO is present, which could result in illness or death.