Recognizing early warning signs of CO poisoning is sometimes difficult because early symptoms of CO exposure (headache, dizziness, nausea) are nonspecific and may be mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses such as colds, flu or food poisoning.

Did you know?

The severity of symptoms of CO exposure is influenced by three main factors:

• the concentration of CO in the environment,
• how long the exposure lasts, and
• work load and breathing rate.

Generally, symptoms are similar to the flu without a fever.

Common Mild Exposure Symptoms

• Slight headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue (flu-like symptoms)

Common Medium Exposure Symptoms

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Fast heart rate
• Throbbing headache

Common Extreme Exposure Symptoms

• Convulsions
• Unconsciousness
• Heart and lung failure
• Brain damage
• Death

Chart: Health effects of carbon monoxide chart (.xls)

PROTECT YOURSELF

Carbon Monoxide poisoning causes severe and permanent health problems and death. It is preventable. Take action to reduce the needless cost, pain, suffering and death CO causes.

• Install a CO alarm that's UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved.
• Install appliances according to manufacturer's instructions and follow them for safe operation of all fuel-burning appliances.
• Purchase only appliances that have been approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Every year have your heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician.
• Whenever possible, choose fuel-burning appliances that can be vented to the outdoors.
• Examine vents and chimneys for improper connections, visible rust or stains.