AICPA Insurance Programs

Every year, hundreds of people die accidentally from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in their homes. CO is an odorless and invisible killer when produced at high levels from faulty or improperly used fuel-burning appliances.

This includes oil and gas furnaces, gas waterheaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas and kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves. Any burning fuel - gas, oil, kerosene, charcoal, or wood - produces carbon monoxide (CO). With proper ventilation, there is no cause for concern. However, if the poisonous CO is allowed to build up inside your home, it can cause illness and even death. Elderly people, heart and respiratory disease sufferers, children, and fetuses are especially vulnerable when high levels of CO are present. Symptoms of CO poisoning from low to moderate levels of the substance are often mistaken as food poisoning, flu, or viral infections. At moderate levels, you can suffer a severe headache, nausea, mental confusion, or dizziness. If allowed to persist, a moderate level of CO can eventually lead to death. Lower level exposures to CO can cause mild headaches and nausea, as well as shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to lower levels may have negative long-term effects on your health.

If you experience any symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning, here's what to do:

1. Open windows and doors in your house, turn off fuel-burning appliances, and go outside for fresh air.
2. Go to an emergency room for a blood test to confirm whether or not you have been exposed to CO.
3. Give your doctor the facts: Are you using fuel-burning appliances in your home? Are they working properly? Have they been professionally inspected lately? Did your symptoms disappear or decrease when you left your house? Do others in your household have the same symptoms? Did their symptoms appear at about the same time as yours?

You can prevent CO poisoning from happening in your home by taking these basic, common sense precautions:

Have your fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected at the beginning of every heating season. Make sure the flues and chimneys are connected and in good condition and the airways are not blocked.

Buy appliances that vent their fumes to the outdoors. Make sure they are properly installed and maintain them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Never use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short while.

Never use a charcoal grill indoors.

Don't sleep in a room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.

Never idle a car in a garage, even if the garage door is open. Fumes can build up very quickly and seep into your home.

Don't ignore symptoms, especially if more than one person in the house feels them. Prolonged exposure can result in loss of consciousness or death.

Another preventive measure worth considering is a carbon monoxide detector for your home. There are several types on the market today.

However, the technology for CO detectors is still developing and the devices are not yet considered to be 100% reliable. In laboratory tests, some CO detectors failed to alarm at very high CO levels; others alarmed at very low levels that don't pose an immediate health risk.

That's why it's important to consider a CO detector as a back up, not a replacement, for routine inspection and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances.

Safety matters to us all! If you know a member who would benefit for the competitive rates and superior service that you enjoy with the AICPA Auto and Homeowners insurance Plan, just ask them to give us a call toll free at 1-800-847-7233 for a free, no-obligation auto rate quote. Or call 1-800-847-7233 for more information on our Homeowners Program.

Please, take a moment to see the competitive rates and superior service you will enjoy with the AICPA Auto Insurance Plan and Homeowners Insurance Plan.