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Invisible, Odorless Danger
Lurks Within

November 4, 2002
This is the most dangerous time of year for carbon monoxide deaths. Furnaces and heaters are being turned on for the first time and houses are closed up as cold weather settles in across much of the country.

About Carbon Monoxide It's a byproduct of burning organic fuels, including gas, oil, wood, coal and kerosene. It can't be seen and has no smell or taste. Early symptoms of carbon monoside poisoning: headache, nausea, confusion, shortness of breath, weakness and loss of muscle control. Severe symptoms: Convulsions, unconsciousnes, death.

It's now that blocked chimneys, defective heaters and other hazards can cause a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide, a colorless odorless gas that causes confusion and lethargy, followed by a loss of consciousness and death.

In the last week, there have been four deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning in New York City, five in Middlesex County, NJ.

In New York, two people died and many more were sickened by a malfunctioning boiler in a Brooklyn apartment building. In New Jersey, an elderly woman died in her mobile home when she fired up her kerosene heater without realizing the flue was disconnected. In Alabama, an elderly couple died in their mobile home; firemen said they had apparently been operating a gas-powered generator inside the trailer. A New York couple died when they left their car running in a garage under their apartment.

Carbon monoxide -- chemical name, CO -- is a byproduct of combustion. Anytime there's fire -- whether it's in a furnace, a gas stove or inside a gas or diesel engine, carbon monoxide gas is being emitted. If it's safely vented to the outside, there's no danger but blocked vents, faulty furances and user error can quickly cause any enclosed space to become filled with the deadly gas.

Sadly, nearly every carbon monoxide death is preventable. An inexpensive carbon monoxide detector -- now available for as little as $15 or $20 -- will sound the alert anytime the level of carbon monoxide rises above normal.

CO detectors are sometimes combined with smoke detectors, providing two kinds of protection in a single device. Ideally, there should be one on every floor of a home. Batteries should be changed at least annually and the devices should be checked monthly.

Unlike fires, which have been steadily declining for years, carbon monoxide poisoning is becoming more frequent. The reason: tighter, better insulated homes and buildings are keeping inside air inside, making it easier for carbon monoxide levels to get out of hand.

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