As temperatures fall, carbon monoxide dangers rise

 With the start of the fall and winter heating season, the Minnesota Commerce Department urges Minnesotans to be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.


Each year about 500 people die in the United States from unintentional exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) – a silent, odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels.

Dangerous concentrations of CO can build up indoors when fuel-burning devices are not properly vented, operated or maintained. These include furnaces, water heaters, gas or kerosene space heaters, gas boilers, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, charcoal or gas grills, fireplaces and wood stoves, motor vehicles and yard equipment.