Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer

Is It In Your Home?

There is a "silent killer" quietly invading many American homes. Carbon monoxide is a deadly and invisible poison gas produced as a natural by-product of the combustion of common household appliances that run on fossil fuel--from stoves and cook tops to space heaters, water heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers and fireplaces. CO is so deadly that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and the Journal of the American Medical Association, it claims more lives in the U.S. yearly than any other poison. An estimated 2,100 to 6,000 people die from CO poisoning each year, with another 40,000 emergency room visits resulting from exposure to the toxic gas.

CO is particularly dangerous because it is invisible to the human senses-it is odorless, colorless, tasteless and non-irritating. Yet, many individuals, especially babies, young children and the elderly, as well as anyone with cardiac or respiratory problems, can succumb so rapidly to even minute levels of the gas, that in a matter of minutes they face coma, permanent brain damage and death. Healthy adults are similarly affected, although the levels of CO in the blood at which they succumb to the poison may vary from individual to individual.

CO, also known as "The Great Imitator," at early, low-level exposure produces symptoms that often exactly "mimic" the flu or food poisoning. Victims-and even some health professionals-do not recognize the problem and thus may ignore the danger. These early symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, tightness in the chest, and diarrhea.

The only way to detect insidious CO in your home is through the installation and proper maintenance of a UL listed CO alarm.

First Alert, a leading manufacturer of home safety products, advises that you never ignore your alarm if it sounds a warning. It is essential in an alarm situation not to assume there's no problem because everything seems ok and you don't feel sick. The early warning is just that-early. Without knowing how serious the leak is or how fast the gas is accumulating, you should never ignore the alarm. Never.

For more information on the carbon monoxide hazard and how to protect your family, log on to www.firstalert.com or call 1-800-323-9005. For a free brochure, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: First Alert, Carbon Monoxide Brochure Offer, 3145 MacArthur Blvd., Suite C, Northbrook, Il 60062.

As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician. Please read our full disclaimer.