In addition, several thousand individuals are treated in emergency departments for carbon monoxide poisoning. The risk of poisoning increases during the winter, as more people run furnaces and space heaters and use fireplaces. Deaths also occur when people sit in an idling vehicle with the doors and windows closed.
One Centers for Disease Control and Preven-tion study found that motor-vehicle-related carbon mon-oxide poisoning exposures increase during winter months and that death rates from poisoning in stationary motor vehicles are highest in states with colder average winter temperatures. Carbon monoxide is produced by fuel-burning motor vehicles, appliances, and heating systems.
Test it monthly. If it has a 9-volt battery, change the battery once a year.
If your alarm sounds, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that you press the reset button, call emergency services (911 or your local fire department), and immediately move to fresh air (either outdoors or near an open door or window).
Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, get fresh air right away and contact a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Have a trained specialist inspect and tune up your heating system each year.
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