Infographic: Carbon monoxide

Organization: Health Canada

Published:2017

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

What is carbon monoxide?

Gas produced during combustion

Who is at risk?

Anyone is at risk

Typical sources of carbon monoxide are (but not limited to):

• Heating appliances (furnace, gas water heater)
• Fireplaces/Wood stoves
• Cars
• Cooking and household appliances (gas stove, barbecue, gas dryer)
• Gas powered generators
• Gas powered equipment (lawnmower, snowblower)
• Cigarettes

Carbon monoxide has:

• NO smell
• NO taste
• NO colour

Health effects of CO:

• Low concentration        
  • Dizziness/confusion
  • Headaches
  • Chest pain

• High concentration
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
  • Death

To prevent CO poisoning

1. Install a certified CO alarm near bedrooms
2. Clean chimney
3. Don’t use barbecue or power generator indoors
4. Don’t idle car or run gas-powered equipment in garage
5. Maintain stoves/fireplaces and have your furnace checked annually

What to do if alarm sounds

• Leave immediately
• Call 9-1-1
• Do not re-enter

For more information:

healthycanadians@indoorAir
air@hc-sc.gc.ca