A Silent Threat: Protect Yourself From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

December 10, 2025

People tend to focus on bad weather, slippery roads, and frozen pipes in the winter. Yet one deadly danger is often overlooked. Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” because it’s an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas undetectable by human senses. CO is produced when fuels such as gas, wood, propane, or charcoal are burned. High levels of CO can cause sudden illness and even death. Understanding its risks and taking preventive measures is essential for your safety.

Causes

Carbon monoxide becomes poisonous when it accumulates in an enclosed area. Inhaling CO replaces the oxygen in your body, causing it to build up in the bloodstream. This buildup prevents oxygen from reaching your organs and tissues, which leads to oxygen deprivation. Common sources of carbon monoxide include:

Appliance malfunctions: Faulty gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters, dryers, and stoves can leak CO.
Vehicle exhaust: CO can accumulate if a vehicle is left running in an enclosed area, like a garage.
Gas-powered tools: Tools such as lawn mowers and power washers can emit CO if used for prolonged periods or in enclosed spaces.
Clogged chimneys: Chimneys that are poorly ventilated or blocked by debris can trap CO emitted from fireplaces inside the house.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often resemble the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses. CO exposure can cause headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, blurred vision, confusion, or unconsciousness. Prolonged or severe exposure can cause permanent brain damage, life-threatening heart problems, and death.

Pets are also susceptible to the fumes produced by carbon monoxide. If your pet seems sluggish, hard to wake, or ill, check your CO levels to rule out exposure.

Treatment

Immediate medical attention is required for carbon monoxide exposure. If you have been exposed to CO, get everyone outside to breath fresh air and call 911 to seek urgent medical help.

Healthcare professionals will administer high-dose oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen to help remove and offset the carbon monoxide buildup in the bloodstream.

Winter Safety Tips

Most carbon monoxide poisonings happen in the fall and winter months. This is due to an increased use of fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, heaters, and generators. To keep heat in, people close their windows and doors while they have their heater or fireplaces on. This traps carbon monoxide in an enclosed space, creating dangerous buildup. Read the tips below to learn how to protect yourself from this silent threat.

Service your chimney, furnace, water heater, and any gas or coal-burning appliances annually by a certified and reputable company (checking for leaks, corroded parts, proper function, etc.).
Change your HVAC filters.
Do not use generators, portable flameless chemical heaters, or gas camp stoves inside
Check for proper venting on all gas appliances.
Keep outdoor vent areas shoveled (vents from your furnace or gas dryer are most common).
Never heat your home with a gas appliance.
Do not warm up your car while it’s in the garage, even if the garage door is open.
When purchasing gas appliances and equipment, buy only certified equipment with a seal from a national testing agency, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL).

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

The best way to protect your home and family from carbon monoxide poisoning is with Per Mar Security Services’ advanced home environmental monitoring system. Our 24/7 monitoring systems are designed to immediately alert you and the authorities of the first signs of danger. To ensure no fires go undetected and create undetected CO buildup, having monitored fire & smoke alarms are a need for ultimate home protection.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning. Let us help you create a safer living environment and give you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from the silent but deadly threat.