Carbon Monoxide poisoning is cased by an odorless and colorless gas and is very dangerous. As you may know, it can kill you. But in many cases, this poisoning can be prevented.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is produced by burning any fuel. Wood, kerosene, gas, coal, or fuels are 67% of households major heating source. Any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential source – space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, wood stoves, and water heaters are all leading sources of carbon monoxide. This can escape from these if they are leaking or poorly ventilated. The poisoning comes from inhaling enough of the gas that it replaces oxygen in the blood. More than 100,000 medical visits each year are caused by old or poorly serviced heating sources.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Irregular breathing

If You Suspect You Have Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Exit the building or car where carbon monoxide is present.
• Keep still. This will conserve oxygen in the blood.
• Get treated right away.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Install at least one smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your house.
• Have a professional inspect, clean, and tune up the central heating system.
• Monitor heating appliances.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Hire a professional to clean your chimney once a year.
• Make sure wood stoves meet fire codes.
• Burn only wood and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Use space heaters in well-ventilated areas.
• Don’t use a gas kitchen oven to heat your home.
• Don’t burn charcoal or us a grill indoors.
• Don’t use paint remover that has methylene chloride in it.

Source:  WebMD