Is Carbon Monoxide a Threat in Your Home?

Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the U.S., and it's more of a problem during the winter months.

Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, 20,000 visit the emergency room, and 4,000 are hospitalized.

"Early Show" Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen reported carbon monoxide is called a silent killer - you can't see it, smell it or taste it. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are also hard to detect because they mimic the flu, headache, dizziness, vomiting and confusion. Often, by the time it's discovered, it's too late.

So what can you do to protect your family?

Koeppen recommended these tips:
• Never idle your car in the garage.
• Never use your gas oven to heat your home.
• Never use a generator in an enclosed space.

Koeppen also suggested these detectors:

• Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarms with Backlit Digital Display: Around $33
• Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup & Backlit Digital Display: Around $40
• Talking Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm: Around $40

For more on this deadly poisoning, click on the video below for Koeppen's full report.