Carbon Monoxide, the "silent killer", as it is odorless and tasteless, often claims its victims without any warning signs.

Winters especially is the time when more people face carbon monoxide poisoning. Power failures, chimney problems or warming up car in garages often complicates the problem. Any fuel-burning appliance can be a source of carbon monoxide. This includes kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and gas furnaces especially if they are old and require to be serviced.

According to Dr. Rolly Sullivan at the WVU School of Medicine, most of the times, carbon monoxide poisoning isn't sudden. It can affect anyone over a period of time. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizzinesss, fatigue, headache and nausea. Often the victims confuse them with symptoms of flu.

According to statistics the B. C. Poison Control Centre reported CO poisoning in 2004. In 2002, more than 12,000 calls related to carbon monoxide were received in Ontario.

A severe CO toxicity can affect the central nervous system; cause seizures or a coma and the patient could sustain heart injuries as well.

The best possible safety measure in case of CO poisoning is to ventilate the area with fresh air as soon as possible.