Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer – and for good reason.

It’s a deadly gas that can kill in minutes in sufficiently high concentrations. But it’s also colorless and odorless, which means it’s impossible to detect with your five senses.

There are only two ways to know that you’re being exposed to harmful levels of carbon monoxide:

  • You experience the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can include shortness of breath, nausea, and headaches (followed by dizziness, confusion, and fainting if the exposure becomes more severe)
  • You’re in a space that has a CO monitor and it’s going off, warning you that you should leave the area

Carbon monoxide is a very common hazard – at home and on the job. So, let’s go over a few quick tips that will reduce the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check the CO Monitor

Having a CO monitor is essential. Again, it’s an odorless and colorless gas. Without a monitor alerting you to its presence, there’s no way to know you’re being exposed until you start suffering the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. And even then, you might not clue in right away – since CO exposure can cause confusion, it could take a while before you put two and two together and realize you’re in harm’s way.

So, your carbon monoxide monitor will be your biggest safeguard.

But it will only protect you if it actually works.

Like smoke detectors, CO monitors have to be tested and checked regularly – at least once a month. If it’s battery operated, change the batteries every six months. If it’s hard-wired, check the expiration date on the monitor itself – it likely has to be replaced after five or six years of being installed.

When the CO Monitor Goes Off

When the carbon monoxide alarm goes off, do you know what to do?

Here are the steps to take:

  • First, get fresh air into the space. If possible, open windows and doors. If there are vents, open those as well.
  • Next, shut off the carbon monoxide source if you know what it is (shut off fuel lines, turn off anything gas powered).
  • Then, vacate the area. Leave the space and find some fresh air, preferably outdoors.

Once everyone is out of harm’s way, call emergency services if anyone has been severely exposed and is showing signs of advanced CO poisoning. If your symptoms are more moderate, make your way to the emergency room and inform the doctor that you have been exposed to carbon monoxide.

If you’re only experiencing very minor symptoms, however, taking a break and breathing in fresh air for a while should be sufficient.

Breathe Easy

Carbon monoxide is the silent killer. But with good monitoring and a bit of awareness, you can avoid becoming one of its victims.

Check CO monitors regularly, know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, and if you think you’re being exposed to harmful levels of CO, get some fresh air – immediately.