Indoor Air Quality:
Carbon Monoxide gas
Don’t let this odorless, colorless gas fool you. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal, and even low concentrations can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, disorientation, and fatigue.
The typical culprits: improperly vented or malfunctioning gas appliances, wood stoves, and chimneys. Danger signs include rusting or water streaks on a vent or chimney, loose or missing furnace panel, sooting, loose masonry on a chimney, and moisture inside of windows.
What to do:
- Have your gas furnace and/or chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
- Make sure the flue is open when using a gas or wood fireplace, and don’t use a gas oven to heat your home.
- Don’t allow vehicle exhaust fumes to enter the home.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector.
Please see also Inadequate maintenance of heating and cooling systems.
