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WHAT IS CO?
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas produced
when fossil fuels do not burn completely, or are
exposed to heat (usually fire). Electrical appliances
typically do not produce CO.
These fuels include: Wood, coal, charcoal, oil,
natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, and propane.
Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they
are not properly maintained, are improperly ventilated,
or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly. CO is a
real danger now that homes are more energy efficient.
“Air-tight” homes with added insulation, sealed
windows, and other weatherproofing can “trap”
CO inside.
SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
These symptoms are related to CO POISONING and
should be discussed with ALL household members.
Mild Exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting,
fatigue (“flu-like” symptoms).
Medium Exposure: Throbbing headache, drowsiness,
confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure: Convulsions, unconsciousness,
heart and lung failure. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
can cause brain damage, death.
Some individuals are more sensitive to CO than
others, including people with cardiac or respiratory
problems, infants, unborn babies, pregnant moth-
ers, or elderly people can be more quickly and
severely affected by CO. Members of sensitive
populations should consult their doctors for advice
on taking additional precautions.
FINDING THE SOURCE
OF CO AFTER AN ALARM
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas,
which often makes it difficult to locate the source of
CO after an alarm. These are a few of the factors that
can make it difficult to locate sources of CO:
• House well ventilated before the
investigator arrives.
• Problem caused by “backdrafting.”
• Transient CO problem caused by special
circumstances.
BRK Brands, Inc. shall not be obligated to pay for
any carbon monoxide investigation or service call.
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CO IN THE HOME
Fuel-burning appliances like: portable heater, gas or
wood burning fireplace, gas kitchen range or cooktop,
gas clothes dryer.
Damaged or insufficient venting: corroded or dis-
connected water heater vent pipe, leaking chimney
pipe or flue, or cracked heat exchanger, blocked or
clogged chimney opening.
Improper use of appliance/device: operating a
barbecue grill or vehicle in an enclosed area (like a
garage or screened porch).
Transient CO Problems: “transient” or on-again-off-
again CO problems can be caused by outdoor condi-
tions and other special circumstances.
CHAPTER 6: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CO
