Known as the invisible killer, a Carbon Monoxide (CO) leak can happen in your home without you even knowing it before it is too late. 

The Government of Saskatchewan has recognized Nov. 1 to 7 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. 

Each year, emergency personnel get called to 1,300 CO-related incidents in Saskatchewan, including 16 deaths due to CO poisoning between 2015 and 2019. 

Everything from gas range stoves, fireplaces, furnaces to blocked chimneys and vehicles in attached garages can produce Carbon Monoxide. When these appliances are well-maintained and used properly, the risk of a CO leak is extremely low, but not maintaining these appliances can be deadly. 

Cathie Bassett, public education officer with the Moose Jaw Fire Department, outlined what makes CO so dangerous and why it is the invisible killer. 

“Because you can't see it or smell it, feel it or taste it, unlike many other toxins and poisons CO doesn't irritate your body or cause pain, meaning there's often no warning or danger signs of its presence,” Bassett said. 

Some of the early symptoms of CO poisoning are unexplained headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, disorientation, and lack of conscientiousness. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to have a working CO alarm in your house. 

If you suspect there is a CO leak, leave the building immediately and call 9-1-1. 

“If you have any idea that this is happening, your CO alarms going off for no reason, there might be a reason. So, always error in the side of caution,” Bassett said. 

The fire department will come to take a reading and if CO is detected SaskEnergy will also be called to investigate where the leak is coming from. 

When it comes to CO detectors, Bassett recommended that you have them installed especially outside of sleeping areas and have one on every level of the building. Like smoke detectors, it should be maintained and batteries should be changed once per year. 

She added that detectors should be installed by the manufacturer’s instructions so they can be strategically placed in the right spots of your home.