You can't see it, smell it or taste it. But don't let the insidious signs of carbon monoxide poisoning fool you. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be lethal. Taking steps to prevent and detect carbon monoxide exposure is important to ensure a healthy home environment. This is a good time for people to make sure they are properly protected.
Carbon monoxide is the product of incomplete combustion of fuel.
The gas is also emitted from burning charcoal and car exhaust. Carbon monoxide impairs the body's ability to use oxygen. Symptoms of early or mild carbon monoxide poisoning often resemble the flu. People may experience a headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, irregular breathing or flushing of the skin. It can progress to loss of consciousness, brain damage and death.