What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is formed when carbon-based fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, charcoal or wood, are burned with inadequate amounts of oxygen, creating a condition known as incomplete combustion.
What causes carbon monoxide poisoning?
In the case of home gas appliances, this can be caused by:
- improper installation,
- poor maintenance, or
- other appliance misuse or failure.
Why is it dangerous?
Prolonged exposure can lead to death by asphyxiation.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Early stages of exposure:
- unexplained nausea
- unexplained drowsiness
- mental confusion
- flu-like symptoms:
- headaches
- dizziness
- vomiting
- shortness of breath
Prolonged exposure:
Prolonged exposure can lead to death by asphyxiation.
What should I do if I suspect carbon monoxide is present in my home?
- Turn off the appliance. If safe to do so, immediately turn off the suspected gas appliance.
- Evacuate. Evacuate the premises and call 911.
- Seek medical attention. Seek medical attention if anyone in the home experiences possible carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.
- Call for appliance inspection. Contact SDG&E at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343) or a licensed, qualified professional immediately to have the appliance inspected.
- Don’t use the appliance. Don’t use the suspected gas appliance until it has been inspected, serviced and determined to be safe by SDG&E or a licensed, qualified professional.
How can I best maintain and use gas appliances to prevent carbon monoxide?
- Vacuum. Vacuum around burner compartments, and inspect and replace furnace filters on forced-air units or central heating systems according to manufacturer instructions.
- Replace front panels. Make sure to properly replace the front panels of a forced-air unit or the burner compartment door of a gas wall heater.
- Maintain proper airflow. Never store anything near a gas appliance that might interfere with normal appliance airflow.
- Leave the fireplace damper open. When using your gas fireplace, make sure the damper is open.
- Perform safety checks. Gas appliance maintenance is always the homeowner’s responsibility. However, we will perform appliance safety checks upon request.
- Call 1-800-411-SDGE (7343).
What do I need to know about carbon monoxide home alarms?
- Maintenance. Alarms require routine maintenance.
- Periodic replacement required. Replace alarms every three to five years to perform properly.
- Keep up gas appliance maintenance, too. Alarms don’t replace regular gas appliance maintenance.
What’s the best defense against accidental carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty natural gas appliances?
- Inspection
- Routine maintenance
