UGI Utilities, Inc. has recently responded to several carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies and continues to urge customers to know the symptoms of CO poisoning and take a few simple steps to prevent exposure. Winter is typically the season when cases increase because of heating equipment issues or the unsafe running of vehicles or other equipment in enclosed spaces such as a garage.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people in the U.S. will go to the emergency room each year because of CO poisoning. CO is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, oil, natural gas, and propane. Malfunctioning heating systems or appliances, as well as damaged or blocked vents and chimneys can cause a build-up of CO.
CO poisoning is serious and can be fatal. Individuals who think they might be experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning should immediately seek fresh air and prompt medical attention. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. Additional signs there may be a build-up of CO in your home include:
- Significant condensation on walls and windows
- House pets becoming sluggish
- Residents in the home suffering flu-like symptoms or feeling unusually tired
- Sooty or smoky smell coming from a malfunctioning appliance
The following simple steps can help prevent CO exposure and poisoning:
- Make sure working carbon monoxide detectors, with fresh batteries, are on each floor of your home, including one in each bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors have a limited operating life. If it beeps only every 30 seconds, or displays an ERR or END message, it needs to be replaced. Most carbon monoxide detectors last between 7 to 10 years. If there is an unsafe level of carbon monoxide, and your detector goes off, evacuate immediately and call UGI or 911.
- Do not run a vehicle or generator inside confined spaces. This includes a garage, even if the door is open.
- If your heating system has not been serviced recently, have a qualified professional check your furnace, water heater, and other internal combustion appliances. An annual check and service of your heating system and appliances will help ensure the safe operation of your equipment.
- Check the connections to your chimney or flue for damage or corrosion. In addition, check for black stains visible on the outside of your chimney or flue. These stains can indicate a blockage. A damaged or blocked chimney could allow exhaust gas, including CO, to enter your home or workplace. You may also contact a heating professional to have your chimney and flue checked.
- Check that both internal and external combustion air vents are unobstructed. External vents can become blocked by leaves and other debris.
- Change or clean furnace filters regularly. Clogged filters can reduce the efficiency of your heating equipment and impede normal operations. Also make sure the filter you use is the proper size and shape for your system.
If the heating equipment in your home or business is not working because of an electric power outage, never use an open oven or grill inside your home to provide heat.
Use caution when using unvented space heaters, which can be a source of CO. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding the use of these heaters. Unvented heaters are designed for supplemental use only. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation in areas where a space heater is used. Do not use unvented heaters in bedrooms, bathrooms, or confined spaces.
UGI Utilities, Inc. serves more than 740,000 customers in 45 Pennsylvania counties and one county in Maryland. Customers interested in additional information can visit the UGI website at www.ugi.com; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ugiutilities; or Twitter at www.twitter.com/ugi_utilities.