Carbon Monoxide Awareness
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week - November 1 - 7, 2023
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas. The Hawkins-Gignac Act is named in honour of the Hawkins family — Laurie, Richard, and their children, Cassandra and Jordan — who were tragically killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in their Woodstock home. The week beginning on November 1 in each year is proclaimed as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.
What can Ontarians do to protect themselves, their family, and their pets from the silent killer?
- Be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning: Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness and death. It can poison the body quickly in high concentrations or slowly over long periods. Symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide may be similar to the flu but without the elevated temperature. Anyone who suspects they have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately go outside and call 9-1-1.
- Install and regularly test CO alarms in your home: Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both types of alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
- Eliminate CO at the source: Ensure all fuel-burning appliances are inspected annually by a registered contractor.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is known as The Silent Killer because you can't smell it, see it or taste it. But it can harm or kill you. In Ontario, over 65% of all CO deaths and injuries occur in homes.
Most people have heard of carbon monoxide, but awareness is often lacking of where it comes from, how it's produced, its physical symptoms, and what precautions can be taken to ensure it doesn't endanger you. Or worse, kill you.
What You Need To Know
What is Carbon Monoxide? |
Carbon Monoxide, also known as CO, is a poisonous gas that you can't see, smell or taste. CO is often referred to as the silent killer. This odourless gas is produced as a byproduct of combustion when common fuel-burning appliances and equipment that use natural gas, oil, wood, propane and kerosene, don’t get enough air to burn up completely. When this happens, CO can build up, especially in a confined room or space – and this can lead to toxic effects on humans and pets. Many homes in Ontario have on average 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO. |
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning? |
CO has warning signs by how it affects humans. CO poisoning causes flu-like symptoms, including:
CO poisoning makes it difficult for your body to absorb oxygen. In severe cases it can cause brain damage and death. The elderly, children and people with heart or respiratory issues may feel the effects sooner than others. Even small amounts of CO gas can be dangerous.
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What causes unsafe levels of CO? |
Certain fuels can produce unsafe levels of CO gas when they are not completely burned. These fuels include:
Incomplete burning of these fuels can happen when:
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What are the sources of CO? |
Fuel-burning appliances are the source of CO. Many homes in Ontario have on average 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO including:
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What are the signs of unsafe levels of CO? |
It is important to know the symptoms and danger signs of unsafe CO levels because this poisonous gas is invisible to us. Danger signs of high CO levels include:
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What You Need To Do
Protecting Yourself and Your Family |
The best way to ensure that you and your family are not exposed to carbon monoxide is to eliminate this poisonous gas at the source. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to CO safety.
Don’t:
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Install a CO Alarm |
Only working CO alarms give you the warning of the presence of CO you need to keep your family safe. Installation:
Maintenance:
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What should I do if my CO alarm goes off? |
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What should I do if I think someone has CO poisoning? |
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To learn more about carbon monoxide safety, myths and misconceptions, or to find a qualified contractor, visit COSafety.ca.