Effects

• Have your heating system inspected by a qualified contractor before you turn your furnace on each fall.

CO POISONING EFFECTS Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be confused with flu, food poisoning or other illnesses. Symptoms from low-level or prolonged exposure include: •Physical effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, fatigue, numbness, tingling and vertigo. •Cognitive/memory impairment, such as attention problems, multi-tasking problems, word-finding problems, short-term memory problems, verbal and/or visual deficits. •Emotional/personality effects, such as irritability, anxiety, lack of motivation, temper, loss of interest and sleep disturbance. •Sensory and motor dysfunction, such as blurry or double vision, buzzing in the ears, decreased coordination and trouble speaking, eating and swallowing. •Gross neurological impairment, such as seizures, inability to speak, balance problems and tremors. PREVENTION •Install a carbon monoxide alarm to warn of dangerous levels of CO. •Have your heating system inspected by a qualified contractor before you turn your furnace on each fall. •Keep chimneys or flues clear. •Use nonelectrical space heaters only in well-ventilated areas. •Use gasoline or diesel-powered generators outdoors only. •Never leave a car running in a closed garage. •Avoid burning coal or charcoal in an enclosed space, even an open garage. Source: Minnesota Health Department and www.carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com