Appliances
Malfunctioning or misused fuel-burning appliances are common sources of CO poisoning in the home. These include a malfunctioning furnace or water heater, non-electric kitchen range used for heat, portable non-electric space heater, or a gas or briquette grill used indoors or in a semi-enclosed space such as a porch. However, any appliance or heat source that produces CO and is not properly vented can cause a build-up of CO in the home. Schedule annual maintenance for furnaces and other heat sources to ensure they are properly vented and in good working order. Never operate a gas or briquette grill indoors or use a non-electric kitchen range for warmth.
Portable Generators
A portable generator can also be a source of CO poisoning. While a portable generator is useful for providing electricity when power is out or unavailable, it releases levels of CO that are much higher than an idling car. Never use a portable generator in the home or basement, even if windows are open. Never operate a portable generator inside any enclosed or semi-enclosed structure, such as a crawlspace, garage or porch. A portable generator should always be placed outside and away from windows and doors of any nearby building, the farther the better. One study demonstrated that 15 feet was not far enough to prevent a build-up of CO inside the home.
Tools and Equipment
Fuel-powered tools and equipment, such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, chain saws, and pressure-washers, emit CO. Never start or operate these devices in an enclosed space such as a garage.
Vehicles
A running automobile releases CO in the exhaust. To prevent increased indoor air levels of CO, never idle a vehicle in a garage or other enclosed structure. Another potential source of CO exposure is a blocked exhaust pipe on a running vehicle, which can cause CO to seep into the vehicle's interior through leaks or cracks in the floorboard. A car's exhaust pipe may become blocked in ice or snow from a heavy snowfall or by a passing plow. The exhaust pipe can also become blocked after backing into a snowbank. Whenever there is accumulated snow, check your vehicle's exhaust pipe to be sure it is not blocked.
Boats
CO sources on a boat include engines, gas generators, cooking ranges, space heaters, water heaters and nearby boats. Know where the boat's engine and generator exhaust outlets are located and keep away from these areas when in operation. Avoid idling your boat in one place for an extended period of time because exhaust gases can build up. If you can smell engine exhaust, you are inhaling CO and need to seek fresh air. Stay off the back deck and the swim platforms while the engines are running. Never enter areas under swim platforms where exhaust outlets are located unless the area has been properly ventilated.
Malfunctioning or misused fuel-burning appliances are common sources of CO poisoning in the home. These include a malfunctioning furnace or water heater, non-electric kitchen range used for heat, portable non-electric space heater, or a gas or briquette grill used indoors or in a semi-enclosed space such as a porch. However, any appliance or heat source that produces CO and is not properly vented can cause a build-up of CO in the home. Schedule annual maintenance for furnaces and other heat sources to ensure they are properly vented and in good working order. Never operate a gas or briquette grill indoors or use a non-electric kitchen range for warmth.
Portable Generators
A portable generator can also be a source of CO poisoning. While a portable generator is useful for providing electricity when power is out or unavailable, it releases levels of CO that are much higher than an idling car. Never use a portable generator in the home or basement, even if windows are open. Never operate a portable generator inside any enclosed or semi-enclosed structure, such as a crawlspace, garage or porch. A portable generator should always be placed outside and away from windows and doors of any nearby building, the farther the better. One study demonstrated that 15 feet was not far enough to prevent a build-up of CO inside the home.
Tools and Equipment
Fuel-powered tools and equipment, such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, chain saws, and pressure-washers, emit CO. Never start or operate these devices in an enclosed space such as a garage.
Vehicles
A running automobile releases CO in the exhaust. To prevent increased indoor air levels of CO, never idle a vehicle in a garage or other enclosed structure. Another potential source of CO exposure is a blocked exhaust pipe on a running vehicle, which can cause CO to seep into the vehicle's interior through leaks or cracks in the floorboard. A car's exhaust pipe may become blocked in ice or snow from a heavy snowfall or by a passing plow. The exhaust pipe can also become blocked after backing into a snowbank. Whenever there is accumulated snow, check your vehicle's exhaust pipe to be sure it is not blocked.
Boats
CO sources on a boat include engines, gas generators, cooking ranges, space heaters, water heaters and nearby boats. Know where the boat's engine and generator exhaust outlets are located and keep away from these areas when in operation. Avoid idling your boat in one place for an extended period of time because exhaust gases can build up. If you can smell engine exhaust, you are inhaling CO and need to seek fresh air. Stay off the back deck and the swim platforms while the engines are running. Never enter areas under swim platforms where exhaust outlets are located unless the area has been properly ventilated.