The Hidden Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

(ARA) - With the bitter cold weather comes the danger of deadly carbon monoxide, also known as CO. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CO poisoning sends more than 15,000 people to the hospital each year.

Because you can not see it, smell it, or taste it, you or your loved ones could be exposed to CO without even knowing it. The symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea and dizziness.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent product safety certification organization, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urge families to INSPECT, PROTECT and DETECT when it comes to CO safety this winter:

1. Have a qualified technician INSPECT fuel-burning appliances at least once a year.
* Fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves require yearly maintenance.

2. PROTECT your home by purchasing and installing a CO alarm.
* Purchase and install UL-Listed CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

*If you already have CO alarms installed in your home, make sure to test them frequently and replace the battery at least once a year.

3. Be prepared should your CO alarm DETECT a problem.

*If your alarm sounds, immediately open windows and doors for ventilation.
*If anyone in the home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately evacuate the house, call the fire department and seek medical attention.

*Be alert to some of the danger signs that signal a CO problem. This includes: Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliances, moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms and fallen soot from the fireplace or small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney.

To learn more visit www.ul.com/newsroom.