Infographic: Carbon monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a gas produced when you burn any type of fuel

Who is at risk?

Anyone is at risk

Typical sources of carbon monoxide include items like:

• Heating appliances (such as a furnace)
• Fireplaces/wood and pellet stoves
• Fuel-powered vehicles
• Cooking and household appliances (gas stove, gas dryer)
• Camping stoves and barbecues
• Fuel-powered generators
• Fuel-powered equipment (lawnmower, snowblower)
• Cigarettes

Carbon monoxide has:

• NO smell
• NO taste
• NO colour

CO poisoning can cause:

• Mild Effects
  • Tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath
• Severe effects
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
  • Death

To prevent CO poisoning:

1. Install a certified CO alarm near bedrooms
2. Clean your chimney
3. Maintain stoves/fireplaces and have your furnace checked annually
4. Never idle vehicles or run fuel-powered equipment in the garage

During a power outage

1. Never use a fuel-powered generator indoors or in your garage or shed. Operate it at least 6 meters (20 feet) from any home or building
2. Never use a barbecue, camping stove or fuel-burning equipment in your home, garage or shed

If your CO alarm sounds

• Leave the building immediately
• Call 9-1-1
• Do not re-enter

For more information:

• Canada.ca/airhealth
• Email: air@hc-sc.gc.ca