Protection from Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, tasteless, colourless — invisible — gas that can cause injury and even death when high amounts are inhaled. Poisoning is preventable in most cases, yet tens of thousands of people are exposed every year, and hundreds are sickened or killed.

Where Carbon Monoxide Comes From

The most common culprits are household appliances that are misused or malfunctioning. Carbon monoxide is created when there isn’t enough oxygen to burn fuel — coal, gasoline, natural gas, oil, propane, wood, or wood pellets. Furnaces, stoves, grills, generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, camp stoves, and car engines can all produce dangerous carbon monoxide if poorly ventilated, poorly maintained, or malfunctioning. During power outages, alternative heat and power sources make the risk even higher.

How to Prevent CO Build-Up in Your Home

• Never idle vehicles or gas engines (lawnmowers, generators, snow blowers) in the garage — even with the door open
• Keep doors between the house and garage closed
• Never use barbecues or fuel-burning camp stoves inside a home, garage, camper, tent, or vehicle
• Avoid kerosene or oil space heaters in enclosed areas unless they’re designed for it
• Have appliances, fireplaces, and stoves regularly inspected for leaks, cracks, blockages, or faulty installation

Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Tiredness, even after a good night’s sleep
• Confusion or difficulty thinking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Poor vision

At very high levels — or without immediate treatment — carbon monoxide exposure can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness, coma, or death. If you’re alerted to carbon monoxide, leave the area immediately and seek medical help.

How Monitored CO Detection Protects Your Family

A Home Alarms Canada carbon monoxide detector alerts your system — and our monitoring center — the moment this poisonous gas is detected, so your family stays safe even while they sleep. Every home should have at least one working CO alarm on every level, typically in the hallway near sleeping areas and at least 1.5 metres from the floor (carbon monoxide is lighter than air and rises). Risk climbs in winter, when furnaces, stoves, and boilers run hardest.

A monitored home security system keeps you protected around the clock — and could even help you save on your homeowner’s insurance.