Facts and Figures:

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by burning fuel.

In the home, dangerous levels of CO can occur if fuel-burning appliances are:

• Not working properly
• Improperly installed or maintained
• Damaged
• Malfunctioning

Used Incorrectly

• Disregarding the manufacturer's instructions
• Without proper ventilation
• For other than their intended purposes

Sources of CO

Any appliance or vehicle that runs on oil, natural gas, kerosene, propane, coal, wood or gasoline can produce CO. Common sources of CO around the home include:

• Furnaces and Water Heaters that burn fuels
• Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
• Gas Ranges and Ovens
• Gas Dryers
• Space Heaters that run on fuel, especially kerosene
• Charcoal or Gas Grills
• Vehicles
• Yard Equipment with gasoline-powered engines

Safety Tips:

Prevention is the Key!

Have Fuel-Burning Appliances Installed by qualified professionals. Be sure they check that exhaust properly vents to the outside. 

Maintain Appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions. Have appliances checked regularly to ensure they are working safely. 

Have Your Heating System Inspected and Cleaned each year by a qualified professional. 

Check Chimneys, Flues, and Vent Pipes often. Be alert for:  

• Loose or cracked masonry
• Spots of rust, stains or water streaking
• Loose or improper connections

Let Your Home "Breathe" - air transfer helps prevent CO from building-up. Be sure to check with a qualified professional if you install new windows or make other improvements that seal up air leaks in your home. 

Never Leave a Vehicle (cars, motorcycles.) Running in a Garage. If you park your car in the garage, let air circulate for at least one minute before closing the garage door. 

Start Yard Equipment Outdoors - never in a garage, basement, or other enclosed space. 

Never Use a Charcoal or Gas Grill Indoors or in a garage, enclosed porch, tent, or camper. Opening a door or window, or running a fan is not enough to prevent CO build-up. 

It is NOT Legal to use a Kerosene Portable Heater Indoors in the State of Oregon. There is not adequate ventilation indoors to prevent CO build-up from the use of a kerosene heater. 

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The symptoms of CO poisoning may be mistaken for the flu.

At Low Levels   Headache Fatigue Sleepiness Weakness Chest Pain	Nausea Vomiting Dizziness Confusion Trouble Breathing	At High Levels Loss of consciousness Coma Death can occur within a short time

If You or any Member of Your Household has Symptoms:

• Get fresh air immediately - everyone should leave the home at once. Open windows and doors. Turn off all fuel-burning appliances.
• Call 911 - from a neighbors. Hillsboro Fire Department will check your home with its CO monitor, to get accurate readings of the CO level.
• Seek Medical Help Right Away - a blood and/or breath test may be used to diagnose CO poisoning.
• Have your home checked - contact a qualified professional to inspect your home.
• Don't Go Back In Until any Problems Have Been Checked.

 CO Detectors Provide Back-up Protection

• Install one near sleeping areas on each floor of your home. Be sure to locate detectors at least 5 - 6 feet away from any fuel-burning appliances.
• Test and maintain CO detectors according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep household chemicals away from your detectors. Long-term exposure to chemicals could damage them.
• Know what the alarm sounds like on your CO detectors. Be sure you can tell the difference between CO and smoke alarms.