WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, colorless, odorless gas, generally associated with your home heating system, if your fireplace or stove doesn't get enough oxygen, either because the house is too tight or the chimney isn't functioning properly, carbon monoxide is produced.

WHAT DOES CARBON MONOXIDE DO TO YOU?

Too much carbon monoxide in your blood will kill you. Low-level exposure to this gas also endangers your health, causing greater or lesser levels of cell suffocation depending on the intensity and duration of exposure.

The side-effects that can result from this low-level exposure include permanent organ and brain damage. Infants and the elderly are more susceptible than healthy adults, as are those with anemia or heart disease.

The symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning are so easily mistaken for those of the common cold, flu or exhaustion that proper diagnosis can be delayed. Because of this, be sure to see your physician about persistent, flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue or generalized depression.

WHY IS POISONING FROM CARBON MONOXIDE ON THE RISE?

Todays houses are more air tight due to energy conserving measures. Consequently there is less fresh air coming into a home and not as many pathways for stale or polluted air to leave it.

Also, on-going problems including damaged or deteriorating flue liners, soot build-up, debris clogging the passageway, and animal or bird nests obstructing chimney flues.

WHY CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT

In addition to carrying off toxic gases, chimneys also create the draft (flow of air) that provides the proper air and fuel mixture for efficient operation of the heating appliance. Unfortunately, many chimneys in daily use in homes throughout the country either are improperly sized or have conditions that make them unable to perform their intended function.

PREVENTING PROBLEMS

Considering the risks involved, we suggest you have your chimneys checked annually by an NACS Certified Chimney Sweep and cleaned or repaired as needed.