It is known as a silent killer. As an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-irritating gas, carbon monoxide is difficult for people to detect. It is the product of combustion of organic matter when there is an insufficient oxygen supply.

Carbon monoxide can be a killer, but carbon monoxide poisoning can also bring on a series of unpleasant and dangerous effects as well.

Symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness and confusion — often attributed to a flu bug. As the exposure becomes more serious, it can cause toxicity to the central nervous system and heart. In most cases, getting outside into fresh air will relieve the symptoms. In worse cases, medical personnel may administer oxygen to offset the effects of the carbon monoxide.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, go into fresh air immediately and get others out of the building as well. Then call your fire department or emergency services for help.

Carbon monoxide poisoning most often occurs where people use supplemental heat sources in the house, however even normal home furnaces that heat with flames can emit this dangerous gas if they are not burning clean. The best recommendation is to have an approved repairman check to see if the furnace is burning clean. Generally these appliances are vented to the outside of the house. Make sure the venting is clean of obstructions and properly connected. Also make sure obstructions such as ice and snow do not cover the outlet.

Some home heating appliances are not vented outdoors. The safer ones have carbon monoxide sensors that shut them down if levels become too high. Never ever use outdoor camping equipment indoors and especially do not burn charcoal indoors or inside an enclosed area. Charcoal does not burn completely and it gives off extremely high quantities of carbon monoxide.

Never use kerosene heaters in small or confined areas and watch the type of kerosene you are using. The clear grade of kerosene reduces the emissions of kerosene heaters.

Gas heaters can also be a problem. Do not use older models that do not have oxygen depletion sensors.

If you plan to use an electric space heater, carbon monoxide is not a problem, but they do constitute a fire hazard. Do not use extension cords, as many fires are started by lightweight household cords that cannot handle the current being pulled through them. If you are in a situation where you must use an extension cord, make certain that it is a heavy duty cord with #14 or #16 wire. Don’t assume that because it is thick and orange it is made of heavy wire. Check the rating on the cord.

For safety, keep all combustible products at least 3 feet away from small heaters to avoid fire hazards.

For best safety, purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors in addition to smoke detectors. They are not expensive and are readily available as battery-operated units or as plug-in outlets. It is especially important if you use gas-fired equipment, space heaters or other sources of risk. Smoke detectors do not detect carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide detectors do not warn of smoke or fire.