Carbon Monoxide Education is Key

Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” because you can’t see, smell or taste it. And it is deadly! CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America. Each year it proves fatal for dozens of Canadians, and, makes many more thousands sick with what they think is the flu.

According to a national Home Safety Poll:

• 40% of Canadians DO NOT have a CO alarm
• 15% believe CO alarms LAST FOREVER
• 18% believe CO alarms are only needed if you have a GAS FURNACE
• 44% DO NOT have their heating or other combustion systems checked annually
• 26% DO NOT think they have to replace CO alarms every 5-7 years

To change these statistics, education is the key.

Appliances that use gas, oil, wood, coal or any other kind of fossil fuel produce carbon monoxide during combustion. Sources of CO in your home can include your furnace, water heater, wood stove, fireplace, oven and of course automotive exhaust. Normally these appliances are vented outside, but if there is a leak or poor installation, tragedy looms.

Your ONLY protection is a CSA-approved carbon monoxide alarm.

Remember… exposure to carbon monoxide reduces your ability to think clearly, so never delay if your CO alarm goes off or you sense there’s a problem. Get everyone out of the house and stay out, then call the fire department or 911.