To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) in the kitchen, install CO detectors near sleeping areas and appliances, maintain proper ventilation, service gas/electric stoves annually, avoid idling vehicles in garages, and replace damaged vents. Keep doors closed when cooking and ensure detectors are tested monthly.

CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion in stoves, heaters, or vehicles. Without detectors, occupants cannot detect leaks. The CDC reports that CO poisoning causes over 400 hospitalizations annually in the U.S., with 15% of cases linked to faulty kitchen appliances. Regular maintenance reduces emission risks; the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that 73% of CO poisonings occur in homes with improperly functioning equipment. Ventilation is critical because range hoods expel CO if used correctly. The EPA estimates that 50% of CO deaths could be prevented with detectors and proper airflow. Idling cars in attached garages allow CO to seep into homes; NIOSH data shows garages are the third-leading CO source. Promptly fixing leaks prevents buildup, as CO concentrations exceeding 400 ppm can be lethal within minutes. Combining detectors, maintenance, and ventilation significantly lowers exposure risks, as shown by a 2021 study in Environmental Science & Technology linking these measures to a 60% reduction in CO-related hospital visits.