Public Health Reminds Public About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

 With the return of colder weather and winter storms, Clatsop County Public Health Department is encouraging people to make sure they have working carbon monoxide detectors in each bedroom.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that is produced when anything is burned. In a person’s home, gas and oil furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and wood burning and gas stoves can produce it.

“The only way to know if you are being exposed to carbon monoxide is by using a carbon monoxide detector,” said Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Check heating systems, chimney flues, and gas appliances every year. Get them cleaned and serviced as needed by qualified heating/appliance contractors.
• Use caution with kerosene or gas space heaters. Use vented space heaters whenever possible, and always make sure they are cleaned and inspected. Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
• Use charcoal grills, hibachis, or portable camping stoves outside your home, garage, basement, tent or camper. Using them indoors or in an enclosed space can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
• Never run a portable generator or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, camper or other enclosed structure, even if doors and windows are open.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.