Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-corrosive gas made up of one part carbon and one part oxygen. It can be a by-product of the combustion of ordinary fuels. CO is relatively harmless in open spaces, but very poisonous if allowed to accumulate. A malfunctioning appliance can create a hazard.

Be Alert to the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Whenever combustion takes place without sufficient oxygen, carbon monoxide is produced. Since less fresh air is entering homes today due to conservation measures, it's doubly important to be alert to the dangers of improper venting.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide may cause any or all of the following:
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, seeing spots, fatigue, confusion, memory loss, loss of coordination, blurred vision, feeling ill or tired at home, but fine when away from home, loss of consciousness, coma and eventually seizures, cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

Other household symptoms include stuffy, foul-smelling or stale air, the smell of exhaust fumes, a yellow/orange flame on gas ranges, furnace or water heater burners, soot around outside of chimney, furnace or water heater flue vent or fireplace and large areas of condensation of water vapor on walls or windows.

What to Do
Get into fresh air quickly if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Call an emergency squad or ambulance and get medical aid. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Loosen clothing, keep victim warm, place head lower than feet. Immediately after victim is taken care of, call a qualified service agency to locate the cause of the problem and make necessary repairs.