What is it?

Often called "the silent killer," carbon monoxide is odorless, colourless, tasteless, non-irritating — and poisonous. It's produced when fuels such as natural gas, kerosene, fuel oil, wood, coal and charcoal, do not burn completely. When fuel is burned, adequate air supply must be present to ensure complete combustion and the smoke and/or fumes must be properly vented outside your home.

When you inhale carbon monoxide, your red blood cells are deprived of oxygen. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide leads to unconsciousness, convulsions, brain damage and, ultimately, death.

Common sources of carbon monoxide in your home include:

clogged or blocked fireplaces and chimneys
cracked or loose furnace vent pipes
corroded or disconnected water heaters and gas dryer vent pipes
woodstoves, fireplaces, kerosene/coal stoves and heaters, barbeques
attached garages
candles
cigarettes