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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Its sources include:
 Malfunctioning appliances:
- *furnaces* stoves * space heaters
- * hot water heaters which operate by burning liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or wood.
Other sources of CO include blocked chimney flues, cooking appliances used for heating purposes, vehicle exhaust, and charcoal grills used in the home, camper, garage or other unventilated areas. When appliances malfunction or are inadequately ventilated, the amount of CO in the air can rise to a level that causes injury or death. Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu and can include dizziness, fatigue, headache and nausea.
CO is colorless and odorless, most individuals never realize that they are being poisoned. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) points out that the first line of defense against carbon monoxide is to make sure that all appliances are properly installed and ventilated. This means that appliances and home heating systems (including chimneys and flues) should be inspected each year by a qualified inspector.
Recently, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) developed new construction and test standards (Standard 2034) for CO detectors. You should purchase models that meet these new requirements. The new detectors should include a test/reset button; it should have the words "carbon monoxide" stamped/labeled on the case, which insures they are not mistaken as smoke detectors; and they are less sensitive to prevent false alarms from occurring.
 This is your second line of defense. When properly installed and maintained these detectors can provide an early warning before carbon monoxide can build to a dangerous level.
Although these devices look similar to existing smoke detectors, they are by no means a substitute. Therefore, residents should not replace one device with the other. If you have questions about these lifesaving devices, contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 609-921-8020.
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