Death By Invisible Gas

Carbon monoxide is an invisible killer responsible for hundreds of deaths every year.

Here are some simple tips to prevent the worst from happening, reports The Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. It interferes with the body's ability to absorb oxygen, so it affects the heart and the brain. It's found in combustion fumes from fire or anything that burns fuel, including vehicles, small gasoline engines or generators, stoves, lanterns, charcoal and wood stoves or grills, gas ranges and household furnace and heating systems.

Carbon monoxide from these sources doesn't normally cause problems in a well-ventilated area where the gas is dispersed, but if it builds up in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces it causes poisoning when the fumes are inhaled.

Winter is the time when the combination of fuel burning and a well insulated home can create the conditions for poor ventilation that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. You should never use a gas range or oven to heat a home. You really need to take precautions throughout the year to make sure that all fuel-burning appliances are properly installed, maintained, and operated. Make sure furnaces, water heaters and gas dryers are inspected every year. Check and clean fireplace chimneys and flues every year. Only use fuel-burning space heaters while someone is awake to monitor them and doors or windows in the room are open to provide fresh air.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms are similar to other conditions. Warning signs for carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion and unconsciousness.

The only way to tell for sure it's carbon monoxide is to get a blood test. You have to get somebody who has these symptoms to the emergency room to rule out carbon monoxide poisoning or get immediate help.

In cases of unintentional poisonings, many victims do not realize that carbon monoxide is building up in the air.

Carbon monoxide detectors are a cheap and effective way to warn of the presence of too much carbon monoxide. They range from $30 to $50 and you install them just like a smoke detector in your home, 10 feet from burning fuel sources and outside bedrooms.

Don't forget to get your vehicles regularly inspected for exhaust problems. Watch out for vehicle tailpipes that might get blocked by snow. Never use a lantern or barbecue inside the home. And don't use any type of gas-powered engine indoors unless properly installed and ventilated.