Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas with no smell, taste, or color and can be fatal when inhaled.

Poisoning by this gas can affect all ages, but infants and older adults are at a higher risk. Also, people with anemia, lung disease, and heart disease are at a higher risk. Breathing carbon monoxide makes it hard for the blood to transport oxygen in children.

WHERE IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) FOUND?
Burning fossil fuels such as gas, oil, or coal produces carbon monoxide.
Common sources of CO include:
. Portable generators.
. Gas and Charcoal grills.
. Gas and wood Stoves.
. Kerosene heaters.
. Furnaces, fireplaces.
. Lanterns.
. Cooking ranges.
. Cars/ Trucks.
. Chainsaws.
. Gas-powered tools.
. Gas-powered Pressure washers.
. Gas-powered engines on boats.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING IN CHILDREN?

Most symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific, can present like many diseases, and appear ‘flu-like.’

In children, the common symptoms are:
. Headaches
. Dizziness
. Confusion
. Stomach ache
. Chest pain
. Vomiting

HOW DO I PREVENT CO POISONING IN MY HOME?
. Use Carbon monoxide Detectors on each floor of the home. Ensure you test the monitors weekly, clean them monthly, and change batteries yearly if battery operated. If the alarm goes off, leave the house immediately and call 911/ emergency help.
. Have trained, qualified, certified professionals periodically check and service your home water heaters, heating systems, and other fossil fuel (oil-, gas-, coal- ) burning devices in the home.
. Yearly professional check and cleaning of your chimney.
. Do not use gas ranges/ cookers to heat the home.
. Ensure that, when you use a portable generator, it is placed outside the house at least 20 feet away from any window, door, or vent.
. Never use charcoal or a portable camp stove indoors.
. Never run your car/truck inside the garage, even if the garage door is open.
. Never use Grills in indoor or poorly ventilated areas, e.g., garages, tents, campers, etc.

The safety of your children is a priority.

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