Carbon monoxide an undetected hazard Published Dec. 4, 2008 By Master Sgt. Daryl Gurunian 82nd Training Wing Safety Office SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Does your home contain carbon monoxide? This may not be an easy question to answer since carbon monoxide is a colorless, practically odorless and tasteless gas. The gas can come from any number of sources such as unvented kerosene/gas heaters, leaking chimneys or furnaces, gas water heaters, fireplaces and even automobile exhaust from attached garages. Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, nausea and flu like symptoms which should clear up after leaving the affected area and breathing fresh air. Follow these steps to reduce carbon monoxide from invading your house: - Keep gas appliances properly adjusted - Install/use exhaust fans vented to the outside over gas stoves - Open flues when fireplaces are in use - Have trained professional annually inspect/clean and tune-up central heating units - Do not idle vehicles in garage It may also be a great idea to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to keep carbon monoxide ranges from reaching above the maximum acceptable level of 9 parts per million. A maximum concentration level of 50 PPM should not be exceeded in an eight-hour period.