The Facts About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Cold winds, freezing temperatures and high fuel costs this winter may lead some people to use unapproved and unsafe portable fuel-burning heaters in their homes. These heating systems may put your family at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Portable fuel-burning heaters, whether fired by gasoline, kerosene, oil, or charcoal, are health and fire hazards. These fuels release carbon monoxide as they burn.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless invisible, toxic gas that is difficult to detect.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to this gas, you should get fresh air immediately and call your primary care physician or covering physician. Because the early warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning closely resemble those for food poisoning, it is important to keep the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in mind. If you use fuel-fired heating systems, gas appliances or fireplaces in your home, you should have them inspected annually by a reputable expert. This will ensure proper combustion and ventilation. Your chimney flue should be free of all obstructions and inspected for cracks and ill-fitting seams.