Definition

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless and tasteless toxic gas. Its effects can occur well before you are even aware of its presence. 

Carbon monoxide is dangerous to your health even at a low level of exposure. When it enters your body, CO bonds with hemoglobin. This reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, inhibiting the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the body.&nb

Source: Direction de santé publique (DSP) of the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal

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Did you know?

  • Two-thirds of all households have at least one source of carbon monoxide in their environment.
  • Less than one-third of these households are equipped with a carbon monoxide detector.

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Are you a health professionnal?

If you are interested in learning more on this subject, please read the "Carbon monoxide" fact sheet on the site of Montréal's Director of public health (website in french only).

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Target population

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs faster in some people, including

  • pregnant women and their foetuses;
  • newborns and children (because their breathing is shallower and faster);
  • elderly people (because their breathing is shallower and faster);
  • people suffering from pulmonary, respiratory or cardiovascular problems;
  • people with anaemia;
  • smokers;
  • people who engage in intense physical activity in carbon monoxide-contaminated and poorly ventilated environments; and
  • people living at high altitudes.
Source: Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux 

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Practical advice

What can you do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

A few preventive measures can save your life: 

Identify the sources of carbon monoxide and protect yourself:

Your home:

  • Have your combustion appliances and ventilation in the places where they are used checked. 
  • The only way to detect the presence of carbon monoxide is to install a carbon monoxide detector. 
  • Have the condition of your chimney and your furnace ductwork checked.

Your car:

  • In wintertime, remove the snow from your car before you start your engine. 
  • Never leave your engine running inside the garage, even if the garage door is open. 

What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Mild poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

  • More serious exposure can cause fainting, convulsions, coma and even death.

To find out more about carbon monoxide:

The Direction de santé publique (DSP) has produced an audio clip on the hazards of carbon monoxide, in six languages: 

You can also read the DSP's carbon monoxide information card (available in seven languages):

To find out more about carbon monoxide in the workplace, visit the Québec public occupational health network portal (website in French only).

Whom should you contact to get help? 

If you suspect a case of carbon monoxide poisoning, act quickly! 

  • Get everyone out of the potentially contaminated area as soon as someone shows signs of poisoning. 
  • Call 911 or contact the Québec Poison Control Centre at 1-800-463-5060. 
  • Do not re-enter the location before getting expert advice. In Montréal, the fire department can measure carbon monoxide in the air and try to determine where it is coming from.

Where can you find additional, credible information? 

Network links:

Links to our partners:

Other links:

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