Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, odorless, and colorless gas that can leak in a house from various sources. The most common sources of carbon monoxide in a house include:

• Fuel-burning appliances: Appliances that burn fuels such as gas, oil, coal, or wood can produce carbon monoxide. Examples of such appliances include stoves, water heaters, furnaces, and boilers.

• Poorly ventilated fireplaces: Fireplaces that are not properly ventilated can also produce carbon monoxide.

• Motor vehicles: Cars or trucks that are left running in an attached garage can produce carbon monoxide that can seep into the house.

• Generators: Portable generators that are used indoors or in enclosed spaces can produce carbon monoxide.

• Charcoal grills: Charcoal grills should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces as they can produce carbon monoxide.

• Cable fires: Underground electrical cable fires can produce large amounts of carbon monoxide gas that may seep into nearby houses.

It is important to detect any carbon monoxide leak in a house to prevent any hazards. Some signs of a carbon monoxide leak in a house include:

• Soot, smoke, or fumes: Soot, smoke, or fumes from a chimney, fireplace, or other fuel-burning equipment can indicate a carbon monoxide leak.

• Condensation: Heavy condensation built up at the windowpane where the appliance is installed can indicate a carbon monoxide leak.

• Stale or stuffy air: A stuffy or stale air quality in the house can indicate a carbon monoxide leak.

• Headaches or dizziness: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, or shortness of breath can be symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Carbon monoxide detector alarm: A carbon monoxide detector alarm can alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide in the house.

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your house, you should leave the house immediately, get fresh air, and call a poison control center or your local fire department or gas company to find and fix the source of the leak.