Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are possible sources of CO. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of CO.
Consumers can protect themselves against CO poisoning by properly installing, using, venting, and maintaining their heating and cooking equipment; by installing CO alarms inside their homes; and by being cautious with vehicles or generators in attached garages. CO replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to asphyxia. Mild effects feel like the flu, while severe effects include difficulty breathing and even death.
You can protect yourself from CO poisoning by installing CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of accumulating CO. Select alarms listed by a qualified, independent testing laboratory. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for placement in your home. Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Test CO alarms at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions. Do not forget to follow manufacturer's instructions for battery replacement!
However, a CO alarm is no substitute for safe practices. The best defenses against CO poisoning are safe use of vehicles (particularly in attached garages) and proper installation, use, venting and maintenance of household cooking and heating equipment.
Calls of the Week
March 5 -- Westminster Fire received a report of a house fire at 5:19 p.m. and arrived to the 7600 block of Bradburn Blvd. in a mere two minutes and then extinguished the fire in less than 5 minutes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. No people were in the home at the time, though Westminster Fire rescued four dogs. The fire, plus smoke and heat damage, caused approximately $40,000 in damage to the house and garage.
March 8 - When Westminster Fire responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a party "not feeling well" on the 4800 block of 75 th Ave at 8:07 a.m., they noticed a strong odor resembling solvent upon entering the home. Responders searched the residence and found a car with the motor running in the attached garage. The residents had inadvertently left it running for approximately 16 hours. Firefighters measured the carbon monoxide levels in the home and were surprised to get a reading of 160ppm (over 20ppm is cause for concern). Westminster Fire personnel proceeded to ventilate that residence as well as neighboring units, and also checked the carbon monoxide level of the residents. Neighbors expressed appreciation for the concern Westminster Fire personnel demonstrated for not only the party that called 9-1-1, but all the neighbors. Four people had to be transported to the hospital for elevated carbon monoxide levels in their bloodstream.