Carbon Monoxide

Colorless, odorless….and deadly!

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of combustion and during the winter months poses an increased threat due to energy efficient, tightly closed homes and buildings. It is an odorless, colorless gas that can be generated by poorly vented furnaces or hot water heaters, or by portable kerosene heaters. Several states, such as New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island, now mandate the use of CO detectors in homes, apartments, condos, and hotels. Carbon monoxide can be fatal in high concentrations, typically found in basements that are poorly ventilated, or in a closed room that may be using a kerosene heater for supplemental heat (never a good idea!). CO detectors are very affordable, and come in hard-wire and battery models. You should be recommending these detectors to your clients, as well as getting regular maintenance checks on all oil and gas-fired furnaces and hot water heaters.