Carbon Monoxide:

Carbon Monoxide or CO, as it is commonly referred, is a colorless and odorless gas that is a by-product of the combustion of fossil fuels (i.e.: wood, gas, coal, oil, etc.)  Fireplaces, wood burning stoves, gas appliances (such as hot water heaters, ranges, dryers), automobiles and home heating systems are all examples of potential sources of Carbon Monoxide in the home.  If these units are not working properly or venting as designed, you may be at risk for Carbon Monoxide in your home.

As of April 1^st, 2006 all homes in Massachusetts are required to have working Carbon Monoxide detectors in them.  CO detectors are required on every level of your home that has habitable space and within 10 feet of every bedroom.  These detectors must be either hardwired with a battery back up, all battery powered, or plug in with a battery back up. Be aware, there are CO detectors for sale in Massachusetts that plug in, but do not have a battery back up.  This type doesn’t meet the requirements of the law and puts you and your family at risk when the power goes out. 

Remember Carbon Monoxide is colorless and odorless.  The only way to tell if you have Carbon Monoxide in your home is to have working Carbon Monoxide detectors in your home.  Test your detectors per the manufacturer recommendations or at least monthly.  Change the batteries per the manufacturer’s recommendations or at least twice annually.  When you change your clocks, change your Carbon Monoxide detector batteries. 

Follow the installation instructions carefully when installing Carbon Monoxide detectors in your home.

Signs and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide

The signs and symptoms of CO poisoning can be similar to the flu.        

Examples may include: 

 headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, fatigue

At high levels:

 unconsciousness,  death

Carbon Monoxide detectors are very accurate, do not ignore an alarm.  If your Carbon Monoxide detectors alarm, whether or not you are experiencing signs or symptoms, get out of the building and call 9-1-1. Bourne Fire / Rescue & Emergency Services will respond and monitor the air in your home and provide medical care if necessary.