Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced whenever a material burns. It is created by the incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural gas, coal and charcoal, oil, propane, or wood. Carbon monoxide can build up in a home when fuel-burning appliances are incorrectly installed, poorly maintained, or poorly ventilated. Common sources of carbon monoxide in a house include:

• Fuel-burning appliances and devices such as clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces or boilers, stoves, and kitchen ranges.
• Fireplaces and other gas- or wood-burning appliances.
• Attached garages.
• Generators.
• Motor vehicles left running in a closed or attached garage.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and even death. To protect your family from carbon monoxide, it is recommended to install a carbon monoxide alarm outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home. It is also important to ensure that fuel-burning appliances are properly installed, maintained, and ventilated. Other tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning include not covering the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil, never leaving a car or truck running in a garage, and never using a charcoal grill, oil lantern, or portable camping stove inside.