Carbon Monoxide
Test Your Risk - Take the Test

THE QUESTIONS:

Test your risk by answering True or False to the following questions:

1. Carbon monoxide is normally harmless but can be dangerous at high levels.

   True  False
   
   

2. Carbon monoxide has a distinctive odour you can smell.

   True  False
   
   

3. Carbon monoxide problems are caused by old heating systems.

   True  False
   
   

4. Fuel-burning equipment like furnaces and fireplaces should be inspected every two to three years to make sure it's safe.

   True  False
   
   

5. It's OK to use a gas barbecue or run a car in a garage as long as the garage door is open.

   True  False
   
   

6. There are no physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

   True  False
   
   

7. You should only call 911 if your carbon monoxide alarm keeps going off after you've opened the windows and doors.

   True  False
   
   

8. Certain levels of carbon monoxide can kill but survivors can expect a complete recovery.

   True  False
   
   

9. The best way to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning is to have a CO alarm in your home.

   True  False
   
   

10. All carbon monoxide alarms sold in Canada are certified to Canadian safety standards.

    True  False

Scroll Down For Answers…

THE ANSWERS:

Are you at risk from carbon monoxide? Yes, you are if you thought any of the statements were true; they were all false.

1. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which is dangerous at any level. It's created when fuels like wood, oil and gas burn. Normally, the small amounts caused by our heating equipment are vented to the outside and do not build up inside.
   
   
2. Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless which is why it's often called the "silent killer".
   
   
3. Carbon monoxide builds when the air circulating through our homes and heating systems doesn't get vented properly.Venting problems such as birds building nests in chimneys can happen in homes of any age.
   
   
4. Heating systems (furnaces, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and chimneys) should be checked every year before the heating season by a certified heating technician.
   
   
5. There is always the risk that carbon monoxide will leak into the house even if the garage door is open.
   
   
6. Carbon monoxide poisoning has symptoms that are similar to the flu: nausea, headache, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. The key difference is that there is no fever with CO poisoning. The symptoms tend to disappear when the person gets fresh air. These are all warning signs.
   
   
7. If anyone feels ill - get everyone, including your pets, out of the house regardless if the alarm is sounding or not. Call 911 or your local fire department for help. Once the source of the CO is found - stay out of your home until repairs are complete. If no one is ill, ventilate the building by opening all windows and doors. Reset the alarm. If it continues to sound, call a certified heating technician to check for carbon monoxide.
   
   
8. Many victims of carbon monoxide poisoning recover with treatment. However, in very severe cases, CO poisoning can cause permanent brain damage.
   
   
9. The first line of defence against carbon monoxide poisoning is prevention through annual inspections of your home heating equipment including vents and chimneys. Alarms are a good second line of defence and every home should have them.
   
   
10. Not all carbon monoxide alarms sold in Canada are certified to Canadian safety standards. To make sure you're buying one that is, look for the CSA or ULC symbols.