Experts Warn of Carbon Monoxide Risks as the Heating Comes Back On

Health and safety experts are urging people to take a few simple precautions before settling in for the winter months. Most of their advice is easy to follow, but ignoring it could have deadly consequences.

The colder seasons may bring cozier outfits, delicious hot milky drinks, and warm, toasty homes as people turn their heating back on, but they also come with potential dangers that are easily avoided. Among them is carbon monoxide poisoning.

"As we turn on our heating systems on and light up our fireplaces for the first time, the potential for carbon monoxide buildup in homes rises," explained Dr. Ross Tobleman, MD, Emergency Medical Director at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center.

Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning claims hundreds of lives every year, despite being preventable. The gas is produced whenever fuel is burned in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces.

Because it is colorless and odorless, carbon monoxide poses a significant risk during the cold months. Inhaling large amounts can cause sudden illness or even death, as the gas prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Common sources of carbon monoxide in the home include a defective furnace heat exchanger, a blocked chimney on fuel-burning appliances, and an idling vehicle in an attached garage.

To reduce the risk, former Regina Fire and Protective Services Fire Marshal Randy Ryba recommends having your home's heating system checked regularly. Tyler Beresh, of Reliance Mackenzie Plumbing and Heating, advised that this inspection be done annually.

"It's something that you can be proactive, and catch it before it becomes a problem," Beresh said. "A lot of times when our team members get out to places that have been exposed to carbon monoxide, the homeowner's not even aware of the concerns."

Beresh noted that carbon monoxide calls from his time as a field technician have stayed with him, as these situations can quickly escalate beyond a standard service call.

"A lot of the time with carbon monoxide you might not experience any of the symptoms and feel fairly well, but you may have problems later down the road," he said. "We have seen times where people have noticed more severe symptoms hours after being exposed to carbon monoxide."

For this reason, Beresh suggests getting checked out by a medical professional after any exposure to the gas. Ryba echoed this advice, stressing the danger of a gas known among first responders as the silent killer.

"It'll sneak up on you. Typically some of the signs are flu-like symptoms, headaches, dizziness and the like, but nothing replaces a working carbon monoxide alarm," Ryba said.

Ryba also recommends installing a CO detector outside every sleeping area in the home. "If your carbon monoxide detector does activate, we ask people leave the home immediately and call 911 from a safe location. We will respond and do tests within your home," he added.

To further help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, Dr. Tobleman shared the following tips:

• Have your heating system checked by a qualified technician.
• Have your chimney cleaned annually to be sure it's clear of debris and vents properly.
• Don't use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
• Don't use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors.
• Don't use a gas generator inside your home or garage.
• Don't use homemade patches, such as duct tape, to repair a vent pipe.

With a few simple precautions, from scheduling a yearly heating inspection to installing working detectors near bedrooms, families can enjoy the colder months without putting their health at risk.

As the experts warn, carbon monoxide gives little to no warning on its own, so taking action before the heat comes on could make all the difference.