The Quiet Killer

The most common sources of carbon monoxide are residential occupancy with fuel-burning appliances and fireplaces, saunas, rooms where the natural gas equipment is utilized (stoves, instantaneous water heaters, boilers), storage garages with poor ventilation, and the source of carbon monoxide is a fire. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of incomplete combustion of fuel of any kind, such as gas, oil, kerosene, firewood, or coal. The danger of its occurrence is that it has no color, no odor, no taste, and is completely unknown to humans.

The main danger of carbon monoxide is that even a small quantity of it is enough to trigger irreversible effects. After a few breaths, the first symptoms of poisoning are noticeable. The reactions to CO poisoning vary depending on several factors, including the age, general health, fitness, and general activity level of the victim immediately prior to the poisoning.

At a dose of 0.08% of carbon monoxide, the inhaled gas causes headache and suffocation. Involvement up to 0.32% — loss of consciousness and paralysis, an hour later — death. If 0.32% is detected, loss of consciousness occurs after 2-3 breaths, and death — in less than 3 minutes. Carbon monoxide is called the «silent killer». Immediately after the discovery of the first signs, a person should be taken out to fresh air until an ambulance appears.

The Ontario Fire requires that a carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in a residential occupancy adjacent to each sleeping area in the suite if there is a fuel-burning appliance or fireplace or an attached garage present.

When hearing an alarm, the occupants should immediately take “appropriate action” based on the knowledge that the CO detector has detected CO in the atmosphere. The recommended response includes the following: opening windows to ventilate the area, assessing the medical condition of the occupants, and if necessary, calling the fire department (9-11).

The CO alarm should be certified to Canadian safety standards. Here are some common Canadian certification marks you may find on carbon monoxide alarms and their packaging:

  • Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
  • Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
  • Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
  • Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
  • Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
  • If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.
  • If CO poisoning is suspected, consult a health care professional right away of call the local fire department.