February 04, 2014
For immediate release
Factsheet: Carbon Monoxide
Ottawa – Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary of Health, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Rona Ambrose, held a demonstration to remind Canadians of the importance of using a carbon monoxide detector to alert homeowners of unsafe levels of the gas in their homes.
Parliamentary Secretary Adams demonstrated the use of a detector to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide in the home.
Health Canada encourages residents to protect their health and safety by properly installing and regularly testing carbon monoxide detectors in their home. These detectors provide a warning if carbon monoxide levels pose a threat to health. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colourless gas, and high levels of carbon monoxide can be deadly. A detector is the only way to identify a problem.
Sources of carbon monoxide include furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves and other household appliances that burn fuel. If these devices are improperly installed or malfunction, they can release carbon monoxide into the home. Other sources include exhaust fumes from vehicles and gas-powered equipment like snow blowers and generators, and fuel-burning cooking appliances like barbeques and camp stoves.
People can maintain safe carbon monoxide levels in their homes by keeping their furnace and other fuel-burning appliances well maintained and inspected regularly; never idling their car or other gas-powered equipment in their garage; and never using a generator indoors or close to a window.
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Health Canada
Media Relations
(613) 957-2983
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709