A Hidden Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- You can't see it, smell it or taste it. It's a hidden hazard that kills more than 500 people in the U.S. each year.

It is carbon monoxide poisoning.

Alan Korn with Safe Kids Worldwide says you can take some preventive steps to keep your family safe.

On average, more than an estimated 15,000 people are treated for unintentional exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) a year.

More than 25 children ages 14 and under die from unintentional CO poisoning every year.

Children ages 4 and under have the highest rate of non-fatal CO poisonings of all ages.

CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced when burning any fuel, such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood and charcoal.

Items such as generators, portable heaters or improperly ventilated stoves and fireplaces, as well as running cars can lead to a build up of CO gas in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

CO causes illness by decreasing the amount of oxygen present in a person's body.

The most common symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and confusion.

In severe cases, the person may lose consciousness or die.

CO poisoning can often be mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu.

Often, more than one person in the household will suffer symptoms at the same time.

If a CO leak is suspected, open windows to allow fresh air into the home.

Get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible.

Call 911 if someone is ill.

Call the poison control hotline at (800) 222-1222 for more information.

To decrease risk of CO poisoning the following tips are recommended.

Install battery-operated or AC-powered with battery back-up CO alarms near sleeping areas and on every floor in the home.

Test alarms every month and replace batteries twice a year.

Have all gas, oil or coal burning appliances inspected by a technician every year to ensure they are working correctly and are properly ventilated.

Never use a stove for heating.

Never use a gas grill, generator or camping stove inside your home, garage or near a window.

Don't idle a car in an attached garage, even if the garage door is open.

Install a CO alarm on your motorboat: CO can accumulate anywhere in or about a boat.

Information provided by Safe Kids Worldwide