What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that kills over 400 Americans every year and sends 50,000+ to the emergency room. It's called the "silent killer" because you can't detect it without a CO alarm.
CO is produced when fuels like gas, oil, wood, propane, and charcoal don't burn completely. It replaces oxygen in your blood, causing suffocation from the inside.
Symptoms mimic the flu, so people often don't realize they're being poisoned. Sleeping victims may never wake up. CO poisoning can cause permanent brain damage even in survivors.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
- Furnaces and boilers — especially older or poorly maintained units
- Water heaters — gas-powered units need proper ventilation
- Gas stoves and ovens — never use for heating your home
- Fireplaces and wood stoves — blocked chimneys trap CO inside
- Generators — NEVER run indoors or in garage, even with door open
- Cars in attached garages — CO seeps into the house
- Grills and camp stoves — outdoor use only
- Blocked dryer vents — gas dryers produce CO
Generators cause the most CO deaths. Run them OUTSIDE only, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents. CO can still enter through small openings.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Symptoms depend on CO concentration and exposure time. Low-level exposure causes mild symptoms; high levels can kill in minutes.
- Headache (most common early symptom)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion or difficulty thinking
- Blurred vision
- Weakness or fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
If symptoms improve when you leave the building and return when you come back, suspect CO poisoning. If multiple family members or pets have similar symptoms, get out immediately and call 911.
CO Detector Placement
CO alarms are your only defense. Illinois law requires CO detectors in all residences with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
- Every sleeping area — within 15 feet of bedroom doors
- Every level of home — including basement
- Near attached garage — CO seeps from idling cars
- Near fuel-burning appliances — but not directly above them
- At eye/ear level — or follow manufacturer instructions
- Test monthly using the test button
- Replace batteries yearly (or when it chirps)
- Replace entire unit every 5-7 years
- Never paint over or cover detectors
- Know your alarm sounds (CO vs smoke vs low battery)
If Your CO Alarm Goes Off
- Don't ignore it! — Never assume it's a false alarm
- Get everyone out — Including pets
- Call 911 — From outside or a neighbor's house
- Don't go back in — Wait for fire department clearance
- Get medical attention — If anyone has symptoms
- Open windows if safe — Only if you can do so quickly on your way out
Use meters to detect CO levels, identify the source, ventilate the home, and determine when it's safe to return. They may call the gas company or order appliance inspection.
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