You can't smell it, you can't see it, and you can't taste it, but deadly carbon monoxide might be making you sick. Carbon monoxide is absorbed through the lungs and transported by the bloodstream to all parts of the body. Carbon monoxide prevents the blood from carrying oxygen to the tissues of the body. The brain and the heart are especially sensitive to lack of oxygen.
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion.
Fuels that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning include natural gas, kerosene, propane, heating oil, wood and charcoal. Fireplaces, gas stoves, wood burning stoves, water heaters, space heaters, room heaters, furnaces, or any other appliance that burns fuel are all potential sources of carbon monoxide. When fuel is not burning cleanly, carbon monoxide can result. That is why it is essential to properly maintain your appliances, fireplace and vehicle. New homes are being built with an emphasis on better insulation, resulting in homes that are almost airtight.