Fall has begun bringing rain and a chill to the air, and furnaces and household heaters will soon be coming on. However, with the warmth comes the potential for carbon monoxide exposure.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by incomplete combustion of different fuels such as oil, gas, charcoal or wood. Carbon monoxide may cause symptoms similar to a cold or the flu: headache, nausea and vomiting, weakness and confusion may be present.

More serious exposure can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Carbon monoxide’s chemical formula is CO and CO levels are measured in parts-per-million. It is a leading cause of poisoning injury and death in the United States.

To avoid CO exposure, have a working CO detector installed in the home and have heating systems, chimneys, fireplaces and flues professionally inspected annually. Never use a generator or other internal combustion engines indoors.

Motor vehicles with damaged seals on the trunk or rear hatch can also suck CO from the vehicle exhaust into the passenger area while being driven.

People exposed to carbon monoxide should immediately exit the building. If someone is unconscious and cannot leave, call 911 and open windows and doors to let in fresh air.

Those concerned about a potential exposure may call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

For more information visit the Department of Health carbon monoxide page at http://goo.gl/EPP6do.

The Washington Poison Control Center alert page is at http://www.wapc.org/alerts/

– Edited by Chris Tucker.