It’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week November 4 through November 8.
Cathie Bassett, public education officer with the Moose Jaw Fire Department, said people should take precautions when it comes to the ‘invisible killer’.
“You can’t see it, you can’t smell it, you can’t feel it or taste it,” she said. “Unlike many other toxins and poisons, CO doesn’t irritate your body or cause pain – meaning there’s often no warning or danger signs of it being present in your home.”
She said that pets and children tend to be affected first, due to their smaller size.
Symptoms and signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning include:
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Unexplained severe headaches
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Disorientation
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Dizziness
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Confusion
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Fatigue
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Weakness
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Sleepiness
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Lack of consciousness
"If your CO alarm sounds, and you or other occupants suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home, and immediately call 911,” urged Bassett.
She said if in doubt, call them out.
Common sources of carbon monoxide in the home can include chimneys or fuel-burning appliances, vehicles idling in attached garages, unvented or improperly vented heated garages and shops, and defective furnace heat exchangers.
Annual inspections of fuel-burning appliances and vents by a licensed contractor can help avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Bassett pointed to signs that could indicate carbon monoxide in the home including:
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Stuffy air
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Excessive moisture on windows and walls
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Soot buildup around appliances and vents
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Yellow instead of blue flame in natural gas appliances
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Fumes smelling like vehicle exhaust (though odorless, CO can be accompanied by other exhaust)
She said that working carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in central locations outside of each sleeping area and on every level of a home, and any other locations are required by laws, codes, or applicable standards.
“That initial warning for you is going to save your life. Have these CO alarms in your home, and make sure they are working.”
Both smoke and CO alarms should be tested monthly, with batteries changed at least once a year or per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The Moose Jaw Fire Department receives alarm calls for carbon monoxide year-round, but they see a higher volume of calls during the colder months. If they find carbon monoxide in a home, they call SaskEnergy to assist.