Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas released when appliances do not completely burn their fuel. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea. Deaths are rare, but can occur.

How are children exposed to carbon monoxide?

If appliances (furnaces, stoves, dryers) are not properly ventilated to the outside, CO can leak into your home's indoor air. Even if the source of the CO is in an area of the house you and your children do not use, it can still find it's way into the air all through the house, so it is important to maintain working CO detectors throughout the house.

Can carbon monoxide exposure be prevented?

Yes, there are a few simple ways to lower the chance that carbon monoxide will leak into the air in your home.

• Install a CO detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the current standard. Install the detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Since CO is lighter than air, the detector should be placed on a wall near the ceiling about 6-12 inches away from where the ceiling meets the wall. CO detectors can be found at most hardware stores for around $20.00 to $50.00.
• Make sure appliances in your home are installed according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Professional installation is recommended for most appliances.
• Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected yearly.
• Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage vehicle, or tent.
• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools. Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning appliances.
• Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home.
• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors or windows, or in any room where people are sleeping.
• Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors. If use is unavoidable, ensure that adequate ventilation is available and whenever possible place engine unit to exhaust outdoors.

What should I do if I think carbon monoxide is in my house?

If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in unsafe amounts inside your home, and you live in:

• Gallatin County go outside and call Northwest Energy at 1-888-467-2427 or Gallatin County Fire Department at 1-406-582-2350
• Whatcom County go outside and call the Whatcom County Fire Department at 360-676-6831.