Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is a by-product of appliances, heaters, and automobiles that burn gasoline, natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, or propane. It has no color, no taste, and no odor. It can become trapped inside your home if appliances are not working, if a furnace, stove, or fireplace has a clogged vent or chimney, or if a charcoal grill is used in an enclosed area. Carbon monoxide also might enter your home when an automobile is left running in an attached garage.
When your child breathes carbon monoxide, it harms the ability of his blood to transport oxygen. Although everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, it is particularly dangerous for children because they breathe faster and inhale more carbon monoxide per pound of body weight. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, and fainting. Persistent exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to personality changes, memory loss, severe lung injury, brain damage, and death.
Prevention
You can reduce your child’s risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by:
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Buying and installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home, particularly near the bedrooms, or near a furnace or woodstove
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Never leave your car running in an attached garage (even if the garage door is open)
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Never using a charcoal or propane grill, hibachi, or portable camping stove indoors or in an enclosed area
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Scheduling an annual inspection and servicing of oil and gas furnaces, woodstoves, gas ovens and ranges, gas water heaters, gas clothes dryers, and fireplaces
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Never using your nonelectric oven to heat your kitchen or your house
