Infographic: Carbon monoxide

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