Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2024

Each year, from November 1-7, communities across Ontario recognize Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week to promote the use of CO alarms and to educate Ontarians about CO including how to prevent exposure, the health hazards of CO poisoning, and what to do in the event of a CO leak. 

Because carbon monoxide is a coulourless, odourless, and tasteless gas, it is impossible to detect without a working CO alarm. By law, CO alarms are required to be installed outside all sleeping areas of homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.

What can Ontarians do to protect themselves, their family, and their pets from the silent killer? 

1. Be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning: Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness and death.
2. Install and test CO alarms in your home: Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both types of alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds. 
3. Eliminate CO at the source: Ensure all fuel-burning appliances are inspected annually by a registered contractor.