Carbon Monoxide

“

“The Silent Killer”

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly. It’s produced when fuels like natural gas, propane, wood, oil, or gasoline burn incompletely.

Common sources include:

Furnaces and fireplaces
Gas stoves and water heaters
Vehicles running in garages
Portable generators and BBQs used indoors

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or confusion
Fatigue
In severe cases: loss of consciousness or death

If your alarm sounds or you suspect CO exposure, leave the building immediately and call 911.

CO Alarm Requirements in Ontario

Under the Ontario Fire Code, CO alarms are mandatory in all homes that have:

A fuel-burning appliance
A fireplace
An attached garage

CO alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas.

Your Responsibilities

✅ Homeowners & Landlords:

Install and maintain CO alarms as required by law.
Test CO alarms monthly.
Replace alarms according to manufacturer’s instructions (typically every 7–10 years).

✅ Tenants:

Report any non-working alarms to your landlord.
Never tamper with or remove a CO alarm.

Prevention Tips

Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a qualified technician.
Never use generators or BBQs indoors or in garages.
Never idle vehicles inside an attached garage — even with the door open.

Know the Sound

1 beep every 30-60 seconds: low battery or end of life – replace or check battery
4 quick beeps, pause, repeat: CO detected – evacuate and call 911