All fuel-burning equipment and appliances create the risk for carbon monoxide, including water heaters, gas furnaces, wood and gas fireplaces, generators and automobile engines.
But at its worst, exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal. In 2008, exposure to carbon monoxide resulted in at least 47 U.S. deaths, according to data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System. Those deaths only account for those reported to or managed by a poison center.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers offers these tips for combating carbon monoxide during cold times:
Never use a charcoal or gas grill inside a house, garage, closed-in porch or tent.
Have your furnace inspected and adjusted before every heating season.
Never use a generator inside your home -- not even in the garage or porch. Keep it outside, far from the house.
Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the house.
Never leave a car running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.
Never sleep in a parked car while the engine is running.
If you have a working fireplace, make sure the flue is open and the chimney is not blocked when burning wood or gas logs. Have your chimney, fireplace, and wood stoves, and flues inspected before every heating season. Never use charcoal in the fireplace.
Get a carbon monoxide detector, with a battery back-up system, for your home. If you have a big house, get more than one detector.
If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, take your cell or cordless phone and leave the house immediately. Call 911 or the fire department from outside the home. Remember you can't smell or see carbon monoxide, so an alarm may be your only warning.
Source: American Association of Poison Control Centers
The American Association of Poison Control Centers supports the nation's 60 poison control centers in their efforts to prevent poisoning. Poison centers offer free and confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you believe you've been exposed to a poison or have questions about whether a substance is poisonous, call your local poison control center at 800-222-1222.