Airdrie's Fire Department is reminding residents about a hidden but potentially deadly danger in their homes—carbon monoxide (CO)—especially as colder weather sets in.
Deputy Fire Chief James Kostuk noted that some residents may be unaware that nearly every home has at least three to four sources of carbon monoxide, often from common appliances. Signs of CO gas buildup in your home can include stale or stuffy air, moisture on your windows and walls, soot build-up around appliances and vents, or a pilot light that keeps going out.
"Carbon monoxide is caused by incomplete fuel burning," Kostuk explained. "Any fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas or wood-burning fireplace, gas range, gas stove, furnace, water heater, and even automobiles, can all contribute to CO buildup."
Early CO poisoning symptoms resemble flu-like symptoms, including headache, dizziness, and nausea. High levels can cause vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death.
While many Airdrie residents live in energy-efficient homes, often tightly sealed for better insulation, Deputy Chief Kostuk said these homes are not inherently more dangerous regarding CO exposure. Still, there is something else homeowners should be aware of.
"High-efficiency homes come with fresh air intake systems, so they don't pose a higher risk of CO poisoning... [However] in colder weather, ice buildup on the vents can block them and lead to CO problems inside the home... People don't realize how fast the [ice can] build-up during cold weather."
Kostuk said that earlier this year, fire crews were called to a home due to CO poisoning after a car had been accidentally started in a locked garage. He underlined that such a call is a stark reminder of the dangers of the colourless, odourless gas.
"They quickly succumbed to the carbon monoxide and the pet as well; carbon monoxide is poisonous to humans and pets, and fortunately, the fire department got there soon enough and were able to get that person to medical aid."
Kostuk said that while it was a complete accident and involved a remote start, the incident highlights for residents that opening your garage door isn't enough if you're planning on warming your vehicle up.
"You need to pull your vehicle completely out of the garage. So, if you leave your car in the garage and open the garage door, those exhaust fumes can find an opening with your door or maybe a vent in the garage - and it gets sucked into the house," he said. "That's why we tell people to completely remove your vehicle from the garage, back it away, and keep an eye on where your exhaust is discharging, ensuring it's not coming back into the garage."
Kostuk said that sometimes CO symptoms can mimic cold and flu symptoms, which is why proactive safety precautions are essential.
"Alarms are the only reliable way to detect carbon monoxide. Newer alarms are much more accurate than older models; every home should have one. If you live in an older home, consider adding a CO alarm alongside your smoke detectors."
While education is a critical component of CO awareness, Deputy Chief Kostuk said that sometimes the messaging can fall by the wayside, so residents need to take proactive measures.
"People often treat carbon monoxide risks as an afterthought," Kostuk observed. "[Which is why] we remind everyone that carbon monoxide does exist. You need an alarm, and then you can do some safety checks in your home to help reduce that risk."
According to the Calgary Fire Department, residents are advised to install at least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm on every level of their home, including the basement and near bedrooms.
"Test the alarm monthly to ensure it works and replace the batteries annually, or use alarms with a 10-year lithium battery. CO alarms have a lifespan of five to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer, so replace them when they expire. Check the alarm’s packaging or search online for specific replacement details."
Those checks include regular maintenance of household appliances, such as cleaning and replacing furnace filters and checking flames on fuel-burning appliances.
"If a blue flame usually indicates clean burning, but if you have large yellow flames or flickering, that leads to incomplete combustion, which could lead to a higher potential for carbon monoxide."
In addition to these checks, Kostuk emphasized ensuring that natural gas appliances are correctly maintained.
According to data from the federal government, accidental CO poisoning is responsible for an estimated 300 deaths and 200 hospitalizations annually.
Between April 1, 2011, and June 15, 2023, 767 unintentional CO-related incidents were reported across Canada. The majority of cases (63.6 per cent) occurred in the colder fall and winter months, and children aged 0-4 represented the highest percentage (24.3 per cent) of cases.
Vehicle emissions, smoke/fire, and barbecues were the most common sources of exposure.
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