(Jefferson City, MO)  Home heating systems help ward off winter's chill, but faulty systems also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

     That's why state health officials are urging Missourians to make certain their furnaces and other heat sources are working correctly to prevent carbon monoxide from seeping into their homes.

     You can lower the risk by installing carbon monoxide detectors.

     Last year, 49 people in Missouri died from carbon monoxide exposure and 287 others were sent to hospital emergency departments.

     Carbon monoxide is released when fuels -  including gasoline, natural gas, propane, kerosene, charcoal and wood - are burned.

     Early symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include:
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Sleepiness
Nausea
Vomiting

     Carbon monoxide can also cause people with heart disease to develop an irregular heartbeat.



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