Calling it the "invisible killer," Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. recently called upon residents to protect their families this winter from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in their homes.

"Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and is the leading cause of death in the United States," said Fuschillo, member of the Senate Health Committee. "According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 2,000 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year and up to 10,000 more suffer serious injuries."

Carbon monoxide is a gas produced by any fuel bringing appliances and machines such as furnaces, automobiles, room heaters, ranges, fireplaces, water heaters and charcoal grills. When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little carbon monoxide.

The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu, but without the fever. They include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea and irregular breathing. If these symptoms subside and reoccur as a person goes in and out of their home, it may be carbon monoxide poisoning. The poisoning can kill by preventing blood from carrying needed oxygen throughout the body. Prolonged exposure to low levels can cause permanent injury to internal organs, especially for the very young, elderly, those with heart disease and pregnant women.

"Furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances should be checked regularly to determine if they are vented properly," Fuschillo stated. "Homeowners should have their heating systems and vents inspected and serviced annually."

Signs of malfunctioning heating systems include rusting or water streaks on vent pipes or the chimney, loose or missing furnace panels, leaves, bird and squirrel nest that can cause blockages in vents and chimneys, loose bricks and mortar, or loose or disconnected vent connections, debris or soot.

"In addition to a smoke detector, every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in the area outside individual bedrooms," the senator said. "Installing a second detector near the furnace or other fuel-burning appliance will give an earlier warning if something is wrong. If a carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds, stay calm. If anyone in the house feels ill with flu-like symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, immediately leave to find fresh air and then call 911 or other emergency services. If no one feels ill and the carbon monoxide detector will not reset, turn off your fuel-burning appliances, ventilate the area and immediately call a qualified service person."