Install a carbon monoxide detector 

Carbon monoxide is an odourless and invisible gas that may be produced by a fuel-burning appliance, like a natural gas appliance, if combustion is partial or incomplete. This may happen if the maintenance of your appliance is neglected. If not detected, carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems, even, in rare cases, death. 

How to prevent poisoning

Have all your fuel-burning appliances maintained annually.

Install a carbon monoxide detector that meets CSA 6.19 or UL 2034 standards, as recommended by the Régie du bâtiment, the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) (health & safety) and fire departments. An installation might even be mandatory, depending on your building and your municipality. For more information, contact your municipality.

Have a heating & ventilation contractor verify that the air vents and seals on the ventilation ducts are in good working order.

What to do if you suspect that carbon monoxide is present

Symptoms, such as a headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness or vomiting, might be due to carbon monoxide. In such cases, follow these instructions:

• Leave wherever you might be.
• If anyone else is unwell, get them outside.
• Call 911.
• Make sure that the cause of the carbon monoxide leak has been resolved before re-entering the premises.