Gas Ovens and Carbon Monoxide

About Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and deadly gas that is put off by the burning of hydrocarbons -- the main source of energy in petroleum fuels like gasoline and natural gas. Typically, carbon monoxide that is generated in the home is vented outside with little risk. Nonetheless, malfunctioning appliances or loose vent connections can cause carbon monoxide leaks into the home, which are responsible for about 170 deaths a year in the United States.

Gas Range Ovens

• A gas range oven heats food by burning natural gas. Any gas range can potentially pose a carbon monoxide risk, but generally only if installed, serviced or used improperly. Regular, professional inspections and servicing are the best way to prevent a gas range from malfunctioning and releasing carbon monoxide into the home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends having all gas-burning equipment inspected at least once a year, at the beginning of the heating season. It is important to turn off gas ovens when they're not being used. Never use a gas oven to heat the home; this presents a serious carbon monoxide risk.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• In addition to annual inspections, owners of gas ovens should make sure to install a carbon monoxide detector in their kitchen and outside of sleeping areas. Many newer homes have carbon monoxide detectors installed during construction, but the cost of a carbon monoxide detector is pretty cheap. Most standard smoke detectors do not include carbon monoxide detectors. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide alarm in every home to detect and notify residents of potential carbon monoxide exposure.

Symptoms and Risks of Carbon Monoxide Poisioning

• Without an alarm, carbon monoxide can be difficult to detect. It doesn't put off a distinguishable odor like a natural gas leak might, nor is it visible to the eye like regular smoke. A device emitting carbon monoxide might appear to be operating normally. It's important to be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide. In low concentrations, carbon monoxide exposure causes flu-like symptoms, including headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea and dizziness. At higher concentrations, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause mental impairment, including confusion and loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness and vomiting. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often fatal, so those who suspect there may be a CO leak in their home should get fresh air immediately and call their local fire department. Do not try to find the source of the leak; allow emergency responders, who have the proper safety equipment, to do that.