Carbon Monoxide Related Resources
If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure or a CO alarm sounds:
- Get everyone into fresh air immediately (including pets).
- Call your local emergency number or fire department for guidance and air testing.
- Do not re-enter until responders confirm it's safe.
- If anyone has severe symptoms (confusion, fainting, chest pain, trouble breathing), seek urgent medical care.
Full emergency checklist: What to do if you suspect a CO leak.
What This Page Is
This page is a curated directory of carbon monoxide (CO) safety information from public health and consumer safety agencies, plus key SilentShadow guides and printable checklists. We prioritize primary sources (government/public health agencies, medical reference sites, and toxicology profiles). Links are reviewed periodically and updated when official guidance changes.
Start Here (SilentShadow Guides)
- What to do if you suspect a CO leak
- How to detect a CO leak (alarms + clues)
- Symptoms (early vs severe)
- Prevention checklist (home + travel)
- Common sources of CO poisoning
- Why CO is dangerous
Official Public Health and Safety Resources
General CO basics, symptoms, and prevention:
- CDC — Carbon Monoxide (overview)
- US CPSC — Carbon Monoxide Information Center
- US EPA — CO and indoor air quality
- ATSDR/CDC — Carbon Monoxide Toxicology (profiles)
- MedlinePlus (NIH) — Carbon monoxide poisoning
- NHS — Carbon monoxide poisoning
- UKHSA — Carbon monoxide toxicological overview
Additional EPA carbon monoxide guidance and environmental health references:
- US EPA — National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for CO
- WHO — Air Quality Guidelines: Carbon Monoxide
Generator and Outage Safety
Outages and storms are a major risk period because portable generators can produce deadly CO. Use only outdoors and far from openings.
- US CPSC — Generator safety and CO poisoning prevention
- CDC — CO basics (includes generator warnings)
Related guide: Prevention checklist.
Workplace Exposure: OSHA and NIOSH
Carbon monoxide is a significant occupational hazard in industries involving combustion engines, welding, furnaces, and confined spaces. OSHA and NIOSH provide workplace exposure limits and guidance for employers and workers.
- OSHA — Carbon Monoxide Safety — overview of OSHA carbon monoxide limits, hazard recognition, and employer responsibilities.
- NIOSH — Carbon Monoxide — NIOSH carbon monoxide workplace exposure guidelines, recommended exposure limits (RELs), and fact sheets.
- OSHA — Permit-Required Confined Spaces (1910.146) — relevant for workplaces where CO can accumulate in confined areas.
OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for carbon monoxide is 50 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average. NIOSH recommends a lower ceiling of 35 ppm (TWA) and 200 ppm as a ceiling limit. These limits apply to workplace settings — residential environments use different guidelines. For home safety, CO alarms are your primary protection.
CO Detector Standards and Codes
CO alarm performance and installation are governed by several standards organizations. When choosing or evaluating a CO alarm, these standards provide the baseline for quality and safety.
- NFPA 72 — National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code — covers installation requirements for CO detection in residential and commercial buildings.
- UL 2034 — Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms — the primary performance standard for residential CO alarms in the US.
- NFPA — Carbon Monoxide Safety Resources — educational materials and code references related to CO detection.
When purchasing a CO alarm, look for UL 2034 certification (or equivalent local standard). Alarms meeting this standard have been tested for sensitivity, response time, and resistance to false alarms. For placement guidance, see our detector placement guide.
Rentals, Apartments, and Shared Buildings
For rentals and shared buildings, alarm presence and maintenance responsibilities may be governed by local laws. Check our CO detector laws hub for state-by-state requirements.
Related guide: Carbon monoxide in your home.
Printable Checklists
You can print or save these checklists:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you choose which resources to list?
We prioritize primary sources: public health agencies, consumer safety authorities, and medical reference sites. We avoid opinion blogs and unverified claims.
How often are links updated?
Links are reviewed periodically. If an official page moves or guidance changes, we update the directory.
Can you give me a phone number to call?
Emergency numbers vary by country and region. If you suspect exposure, call your local emergency number or contact your local fire department.
Are these resources medical advice?
No. This directory provides general safety information and links to official guidance. For personal medical concerns, seek professional evaluation.
Where can I find official CO safety guidelines for my area?
Your local fire department, national health agencies (CDC, NHS), and consumer product safety commissions (CPSC) publish CO safety guidance. The resources on this page link to the most authoritative sources.
Can opening windows fix a CO issue?
Ventilation may reduce levels temporarily but does not fix the source. Treat suspected exposure seriously and get professional help.
Last updated: February 15, 2026