Woodbury Minnesota Carbon Monoxide

City of Woodbury
8301 Valley Creek Road
Woodbury, MN 55125
(651) 714-3500

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Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Each year in America, carbon monoxide poisoning claims approximately 480 lives and sends another 15,200 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

A Minnesota law took effect in 2007 requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all single family homes and multifamily apartment units. Learn more about carbon monoxide detector requirements (PDF).

What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that comes from burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, oil and methane. When these fuels burn incompletely, CO is produced. Home heating and cooking appliances can produce CO if damaged or misused. Vehicles such as cars, trucks, tractors and lawn mowers are also a source of CO. Any motor allowed to run indoors can produce dangerous levels of CO.

Effects of CO Exposure to People
Carbon Monoxide replaces the oxygen that is in your bloodstream; this can lead to suffocation. Flu-like symptoms are an early indication of mild CO poisoning. More serious exposure can lead to difficulty breathing and eventually death. Those most at risk for poisoning are the very young (4 years or younger) and the very old (75 and older). In 1993 about 700 deaths occurred from accidental CO poisoning.

Gas-fueled space heaters (69)
Gas-fueled furnaces (52)
Charcoal grills (36)
Gas-fueled ranges (23)
Portable kerosene heaters (23)
Wood stoves (13)

Protecting your Family from CO
Safe use and proper installation of household appliances that burn fossil fuels, as well as, proper use of vehicles, especially in attached garages, is the best protection you can provide for your family. CO detectors can add a level of protection, but are not a substitute for safe use of equipment. Have all heating equipment inspected and serviced each year and know the proper use and maintenance of household cooking equipment. The following is a list of safety tips:

Do not run motors indoors; even if garage doors are open.
Have your vehicles inspected for exhaust leaks.
Inspect and repair chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves, etc. each year before cold weather sets in.
Be sure your heating equipment has an adequate supply of fresh air for combustion.
Open the flue when using the fireplace to insure adequate ventilation.
Always refuel kerosene heaters outdoors after heater has cooled sufficiently. Kerosene heaters are illegal in many states. Before buying or using one, check with authorities to be sure it is legal.
Gas barbecue grills can produce CO. Never use them indoors or in the garage; even if the garage doors are opened.
When camping, use battery-operated heaters and lights in tents, trailers and mobile homes.
CO detectors are required in all recreational vehicles.

What are Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
Carbon Monoxide detectors measure the amount of CO gas that has accumulated. Current CO detectors sound an alarm when the concentration of CO in the air is equal to or above 10% carboxyhemoglobin level in the blood. 10% carboxyhemoglobin is the lowest level of CO poisoning. This sensitivity may cause the alarm to sound before any symptoms appear. It is important to treat all alarms as serious and have the cause determined to be sure your home is safe. When buying a CO detector, buy only units that have been tested by qualified testing laboratories. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use of your CO detector in your home. Test your CO detector once a month along with your smoke detectors. Replace your CO detector every two years, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Plan and practice a home evacuation plan with all members of the family in case of any emergency.

Remember . . .
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are NOT Smoke Detectors. Install a smoke detector on each level of your home and one outside each sleeping area.

What should I do if my CO detector alarm goes off?

Make sure no one is experiencing any signs of CO poisoning.
If symptoms of CO poisoning are present, every one should exit the building leaving the doors open as you go. GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL HELP!
Use a neighbor's telephone to report the alarm and follow the instructions you are given.
If symptoms of CO poisoning are not present, open windows and doors, shut down heating and cooking equipment.
Call a qualified technician to inspect and service your equipment
Be on the look out for symptoms of CO poisoning.

For more information, visit the U.S. Fire Administration's Web site.