The first rule in any CO exposure is to remove those exposed from the affected area and to eliminate the CO source. In mild cases, symptoms disappear on their own or with the use of supplied oxygen. More severe poisoning requires supportive care for the acute symptoms, including 100 percent oxygen, respiratory support, intravenous fluids and heart monitoring.

How can you tell if you are being exposed to CO?

The local gas company, fire department or health department may be able to help you have the air in your home or workplace tested. CO monitors also are available for home use. Place detectors in areas where your family spends most of its time--family room, bedroom or kitchen--but far enough away from obvious and predictable sources of CO, such as a gas stove, to avoid false alarms. A hardware store, safety supply outlet, gas company, fire department or health department can provide more information about these devices.

How can I avoid CO poisoning in the home?

CO poisoning is entirely preventable, if you follow a few simple steps:

• Have your gas appliances checked periodically for proper operation and venting.

• Make sure flues, chimneys and vents are clear of debris and in good working order.

• Install CO monitors in the home. Check them regularly and make sure they are maintained properly.

• Do not use unvented space heaters, gas stoves, charcoal grills or Sterno-type fuels as sources of heat. Do not cook on charcoal grills indoors.

• In the workplace, make sure there is sufficient ventilation when working around CO sources, such as propane-powered forklifts and space heaters. Where exposure is unavoidable, workers should wear CO monitoring badges. Employers should regularly monitor the workplace.

• Check the exhaust system of your car regularly and keep it in good condition. Do not run the car or other gasoline-powered engines in a garage, even with the doors open. Crack car windows when driving.

• Use paint strippers that do not contain methylene chloride. If you do use solvents containing this substance, make sure the area is properly ventilated.

If you suspect CO exposure or poisoning, call emergency personnel and leave the area immediately. Then notify the gas company or the health department. Affected individuals should be led to fresh air and provided with oxygen, if necessary. Follow standard first aid practices: Keep victims warm and quiet until help arrives.

How can you tell if you are being exposed to CO?

The local gas company, fire department or health department may be able to help you have the air in your home or workplace tested. CO monitors also are available for home use. Place detectors in areas where your family spends most of its time--family room, bedroom or kitchen--but far enough away from obvious and predictable sources of CO, such as a gas stove, to avoid false alarms. A hardware store, safety supply outlet, gas company, fire department or health department can provide more information about these devices.

How can I avoid CO poisoning in the home?

CO poisoning is entirely preventable, if you follow a few simple steps:

• Have your gas appliances checked periodically for proper operation and venting.

• Make sure flues, chimneys and vents are clear of debris and in good working order.

• Install CO monitors in the home. Check them regularly and make sure they are maintained properly.

• Do not use unvented space heaters, gas stoves, charcoal grills or Sterno-type fuels as sources of heat. Do not cook on charcoal grills indoors.

• In the workplace, make sure there is sufficient ventilation when working around CO sources, such as propane-powered forklifts and space heaters. Where exposure is unavoidable, workers should wear CO monitoring badges. Employers should regularly monitor the workplace.

• Check the exhaust system of your car regularly and keep it in good condition. Do not run the car or other gasoline-powered engines in a garage, even with the doors open. Crack car windows when driving.

• Use paint strippers that do not contain methylene chloride. If you do use solvents containing this substance, make sure the area is properly ventilated.

If you suspect CO exposure or poisoning, call emergency personnel and leave the area immediately. Then notify the gas company or the health department. Affected individuals should be led to fresh air and provided with oxygen, if necessary. Follow standard first aid practices: Keep victims warm and quiet until help arrives.