The NYCHA Journal

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Carbon monoxide safety
Health & Safety Top Story 

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Michael

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas which can be deadly. For that reason, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) would like to provide the following information about carbon monoxide.

Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is functioning properly – a functioning detector can save your life by alerting you if there is a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak:

  • Combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are installed at NYCHA properties – they detect both smoke and carbon monoxide.
  • If you have any detectors with removable batteries, contact NYCHA to have them replaced with detectors that contain sealed 10-year batteries.
  • NYCHA will replace the detectors every 10 years (or whenever alarms are damaged/inoperable).
  • Clean your detectors by dusting them periodically.
  • Test your detectors monthly by pressing the test button.
  • Keep detectors clean – paint, stickers, or other decorations can interfere with the detector’s operation.
  • During an NSPIRE inspection of your apartment, the inspector will note any deficiencies with your carbon monoxide detector and have it replaced if necessary.
  • If you are experiencing issues with your detector, please create a work ticket by calling the Customer Contact Center (CCC) at 718-707-7771, using MyNYCHA (nyc.gov/MyNYCHA), or contacting your property management office.
Installing a carbon monoxide detector

What should I do if the carbon monoxide detector sounds?

  • STAY CALM.
  • Silence the alarm by pushing the rest/silence button.
  • Open all windows.
  • Call 911 and go outside for fresh air immediately.
  • After the situation has been addressed, call the Customer Contact Center at (718) 707-7771 to provide details about the incident.

The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • If you suspect CO poisoning, get to fresh air immediately and then call 911.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, but the high-risk populations are:

  • Infants
  • Elderly
  • Persons with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems

If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov. Residents, employees, and any member of the public can submit environmental health and safety concerns at on.nyc.gov/submit-concern.

For more information on carbon monoxide safety, please visit: