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CO2 Poison Prevention
 

Carbon monoxide, or CO2, is a poisonous gas that can be particularly dangerous because it is colorless and odorless. A headache, nausea, dizziness and even permanent brain damage or death can occur. People die each year from accidental CO2 poisoning.

 

To prevent CO2 poisoning in your home, be sure to educate your family about the following causes of CO2 poisoning and how to prevent exposure to this deadly gas:

 

  • • Install CO2 detectors throughout your home: This is incredibly important, especially in hallways near sleeping areas, and follow the manufacturers’ instructions for testing and replacing. Keep detectors unobstructed by furniture or draperies.

  • • Never use your gas oven or clothes dryer to heat your home: Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil; doing so blocks the air flow through the appliance and can produce CO2.

  • • Do not use portable generators indoors: This includes in garages, carports, storage sheds and the like, even with doors and windows open. On that note, never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open. In both instances, CO2 can quickly build to lethal levels, whether space is fully or partially enclosed.

  • • Do not place pressure washer engines indoors: When using pressure washers outdoors, keep engines away from open windows, doors or vents during use, as CO2 can seep inside through the openings.

  • • Hire qualified professionals to install new furnaces and appliances and to inspect and service your HVAC system, chimneys, and flues: Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills and tools; you should always refer to the owners’ manual when performing minor adjustments or performing maintenance on fuel-burning equipment.

  • • Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment or burn charcoal indoors: In particular, do not operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.

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