Carbon Monoxide
CO is an odorless, colorless gas
that forms from incomplete carbon
combustion. Any fuel-burning appliance
that is inadequately vented or
maintained can be a source of CO.
Upon entering the home, the nurse
smelled the scent of rotten eggs, indicating
that the likely source of CO
e x p o s u re was from a gas leak somew
h e re in the home. Because pro p a n e
and natural gas are both odorless and
tasteless, mercaptain is added before
distribution to give the gases a distinct
unpleasant smell (such as rotten
eggs) so that a leak can be detected. It
is important to note, however, that
the presence of CO will not be indicated
by an odor if the source of CO is
incomplete combustion from a wood
or pellet-burning stove/fireplace or
k e rosene heater