Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is emitted from burning fossil fuels (fuels that are made from something that was once alive and contained carbon) such as fuel oil, gasoline, diesel, and natural gas or propane.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning causes dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, burning eyes, persistent throbbing headaches, tightness across the forehead, pale skin, nausea and vomiting, confusion disorientation, loss of muscle control, fainting, unconsciousness, sleepiness, never feeling rested, rapid heartbeat or pulse, fluttering or throbbing of the heart, tightening of the chest , shortness of breath, chest pain (angina) when exercising, intoxicated appearance, or sudden death.

CO poisoning is especially toxic to infants and children; mother and unborn child during pregnancy; the elderly; smokers; people with anemia, coronary, or respiratory problems; and people with immune systems diseases.

Outside the home you can avoid CO by not leaving a vehicle running in the garage, don't use fuel-burning heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas,  do not store propane tanks indoors, never use a barbecue grill in doors, and always use paint strippers and solvents outdoors or in well ventilated areas.

Inside the home have your heating and cooling system inspected before each season, check your water heater for improper burner adjustment and low supply of hot water.

Signs of a possible CO leak include stuffy, stale, smelly air; exhaust fume smell; unfamiliar or burning odor; moisture on walls and windows; lint by dryer's exterior vent; soot on appliances; a furnace that runs constantly but heats inadequately; loose or missing furnace panels; appliances that shut off, activating safety devices.

If the alarm sounds leave immediately, open doors and windows on your way out.  Never re-enter your home until help arrives and the danger has passed.

If you experience symptoms call 911, your local fire department, or the local gas company's emergency number, and seek medical attention.

CO detectors should be test as often as a smoke detector and in the same manner.