Chemically speaking, carbon monoxide likes to replace the oxygen in your blood stream. If you're exposed to high levels for a prolonged time, you'll slowly asphyxiate, as your body is starved for oxygen.

The symptoms of mild CO poisoning are similar to the flu. Victims will experience severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and irritability. Their lips will turn bright red, and their fingernail beds will turn blue.

If they're not removed from the CO-rich environment, they'll lose conscious. Left there too long, they'll die.

If your CO detector sounds while using gas- or fuel-burning appliances, open windows and doors to circulate fresh air. Silence the detector, shut off all suspected appliances, and call your gas company to investigate. If you experience any of symptoms of CO poisoning and your CO detector sounds, it's a medical emergency, and you should call 9-1-1. Leave the residence, and take a head count to make sure everyone is out. We'll come investigate the leak, treat the patient, and give you the all-clear when it's safe to re-enter.