Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that can be given off during the burning of fuel. Sources of this deadly gas in the home include furnaces, gas stoves and ovens, kerosene heaters, generators, vehicles and any other items that burn fuel. When these items are maintained and used correctly, they can be perfectly safe. It is when they malfunction or are used inappropriately, such as without adequate ventilation, that they become dangerous.

Malfunctioning home furnaces cause up to 18.5% of all accidental poisoning by carbon monoxide in the United States.

Carbon monoxide starves the body of oxygen and can cause death in people of any age. For children, small doses of carbon monoxide over extended periods can also cause long-lasting health and developmental problems.

If you have unexplained headache, fatique, dizziness or nausea, or if your carbon monoxide detector is going off, immediately evacuate your home and contact the fire department.

Learn how you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning! Installing adequate alarms and maintaining your gas-burning appliances are two beginning steps. This website provides pages that can help Parents, Landlords and Community Partners in their efforts to protect our children.

To learn more about making homes carbon monoxide-safe, contact the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan at (616) 241-3300.