What is carbon monoxide?
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Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, deadly gas. Carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it is even there because you cannot see, taste or smell it.
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What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
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Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are very similar to the flu:
- Exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide may cause a light headache or shortness of breath.
- Exposure to higher concentrations of carbon monoxide may cause a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, weakness, vision or hearing problems, collapse or fainting, loss of muscle control and drowsiness.
- Exposure to higher concentrations can also result in unconsciousness, brain damage or death.
If you inhale carbon monoxide, you could experience any of the above symptoms. If you or a family member is affected, or if the symptoms lessen or disappear when you leave your home, you should suspect carbon monoxide and call 9-1-1 immediately.
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What can I do if I think it's carbon monoxide poisoning?
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- If you have a carbon monoxide concern, call Union Gas or a certified heating contractor.
- If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds and you have no medical symptoms, open all doors and windows and call Union Gas or a certified heating contractor for an inspection.
- If you are having symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, call 9-1-1 and get everyone out of the house. We will respond and check for this gas.
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What can I do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
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- Install a carbon monoxide alarm if you:
- Use a fuel burning heating source such as:
- Have a gas hot water heater
- Have an attached garage
- Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed near the sleeping area of your home. Follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with the detector.
- Never ignore your carbon monoxide alarm if it beeps. Call 9-1-1 and get out of the house immediately.
- Have your furnace and heating system inspected once a year by a certified heating contractor.
- Have your chimney, flues and vents professionally cleaned once a year.
- Never burn charcoal or run your gas barbecue indoors or in an enclosed area.
- Never leave a car idling in a garage.
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Visit the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs or Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer | TSSA websites for more information.