Safety & First Aid Print Why You Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Written by facebook Written by Vincent Iannelli, MD Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years. Learn about our editorial policy Vincent Iannelli, MD Updated on October 13, 2019 Kameleon007 / Getty Images More in Healthy Kids Safety & First Aid Everyday Wellness Immunizations Food & Nutrition Fitness You probably have a smoke alarm in your home. After all, new homes come with them already installed and many communities have laws that require them to be installed. What about a carbon monoxide detector? Do you have any installed in your home? Do you need one? The importance of having a carbon monoxide detector is often underestimated or simply forgotten by many parents. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide sources, such as furnaces, generators, and gas heaters, are common in homes and can put your family at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. In fact, a 2011 study CDC reports that over 15,000 people each year are treated in emergency rooms for non-fire related carbon monoxide exposures. And an average of about 500 people dies each year from non-fire related carbon monoxide exposures. The CDC also reports that common sources of carbon monoxide exposure include: Oil and gas furnacesMotor vehiclesStove/Gas rangeGas line leaksGas water heatersGeneratorsSpace heaters So you should definitely have a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you have any appliances that are not electric and that burn natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood, coal, or other fuels, or if you have a home with an attached garage. Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning These guidelines from the CDC can help you avoid exposing your family to carbon monoxide: Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.If your CO detector sounds, evacuate your home immediately and telephone 911.Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.Do not run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.Do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented.Do not heat your house with a gas oven. Symptoms of CO Exposure Depending on the degree of exposure, carbon monoxide can cause the following symptoms: HeadacheDizzinessNauseaWeaknessVomitingLoss of consciousnessShortness of breathLight-headednessSleepinessLoss of muscle controlChest tightnessConfusionBlurred vision Remember that carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so without a CO detector, it can build up in your home without your knowledge. Buy a CO Detector According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, you should install a CO detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard. Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the detector cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies. Here is a sampling of carbon monoxide detectors that are available. First Alert Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke DetectorFirst Alert Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide DetectorFirst Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide DetectorKidde Nighthawk Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. McKenzie LB, Roberts KJ, Shields WC, et al. Distribution and Evaluation of a Carbon Monoxide Detector Intervention in Two Settings: Emergency Department and Urban Community. J Environ Health. 2017;79(9):24–30. PMID: 29154522 Carbon Monoxide Exposures --- United States, 2000--2009. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published August 5, 2011. Nonfatal, Unintentional, Non--Fire-Related Carbon Monoxide Exposures --- United States, 2004--2006. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published August 20, 2008. Wheeler-Martin K, Soghoian S, Prosser JM, et al. Impact of Mandatory Carbon Monoxide Alarms: An Investigation of the Effects on Detection and Poisoning Rates in New York City. Am J Public Health. 2015;105(8):1623–1629. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2015.302577 CDC - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Frequently Asked Questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published March 21, 2018. Olson K, Smollin C. Carbon monoxide poisoning (acute). BMJ Clin Evid. 2008;2008:2103. Published 2008 Jul 23. PMID: 19445736 Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Published September 6, 2016. Continue Reading