Where does carbon monoxide come from?                                                        

When ever there is not enough oxygen available when fuel is burned excessive carbon monoxide can be emitted.

Heating oil, natural gas, propane, kerosene, gasoline, wood and almost anything that burns
can produce carbon monoxide. You may be exposed to carbon monoxide if :

• You leave your motor vehicle engine running.
• Your home contains an incorrectly vented or malfunctioning water heater, furnace, space heater, fireplace or stove.
• You burn charcoal, alcohol or gasoline in an enclosed tent, camper or garage.    
• You are being pulled behind a boat in a tube.

Some of the symptoms associated with low level of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

• Headaches  (specifically feels like a hat is on too tight)
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and/or vomiting

In more severe exposures:

• Disorientation
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Seizures
• Respiratory failure
• Cardiac arrest may occur

What about carbon monoxide detectors?

Minnesota statute requires newly-constructed, single- and multi-family dwellings built on or after Jan. 1, 2007, to have a UL-listed CO alarm within 10 feet of each bedroom. The same law applies to existing single-family homes as of Aug. 1, 2008, and to existing multi-dwelling units as of Aug. 1, 2009. Residents should follow manufacturer’s instructions on routine maintenance and plan to replace alarms every five to seven years.

Click HERE to download a CO Alarm Info Sheet from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office

Click HERE to download MN Posion Control CO Fact Sheet

Revised 2/08