Walk through most any home today and what do you see? Televisions? Of course. Cell phones? Without a doubt. What about iPhones, iPods, and WIIs? The list goes on.

See any smoke detectors? In many cases. The installation of smoke detectors in homes has closely paralleled the wearing of seat belts. Folks have been drug kicking and screaming but in the end most folks have come to the conclusion that both are a real good idea for insuring one’s safety.

How about carbon monoxide detectors? Carbon what? Thought so. If this describes your reaction to the previous question, that’s OK. You are not alone.

Most folks are completely unaware that carbon monoxide is responsible for more fatalities in the United States than any other toxicant.

Carbon monoxide is extremely poisonous. It is a gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion or adequate ventilation of some type of fuel such as oil, coal, natural gas, or propane.

What makes carbon monoxide so insidious and dangerous is the fact that it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Carbon monoxide can be introduced into the home through heaters, furnaces, or appliances such as clothes dryers using propane or natural gas.

Unlike a gas such as radon that may take many years to cause deleterious effects, carbon monoxide will kill you quick. Like a thief in the night, it will sneak into your room and hit you before you even become aware of what is happening.

After just a few minutes exposure to carbon monoxide, if you are awake, you will experience confusion, dizziness, chest pain, nausea, and rapid breathing. Don’t get some fresh air real soon and you’ll be convulsing, entering unconsciousness, and experiencing heart and respiratory failure in no time. If you happen to be asleep while this thief sneaks in, you just might not wake up.

At this point you may be wondering what you can do to keep this carbon monoxide monster at bay. Well for starters, it is a real good idea to have the professionals in to inspect your furnace and gas operated clothes dryer on an annual basis.

If you are an outdoor grill enthusiast, make sure you keep that grill outside. There is nothing like a good rain to ruin a good barbeque and I understand the temptation to move that sucker into the garage. Don’t do it! Get yourself a nice portable canopy.

If you do have a garage, its real tempting in the winter to start your car then come in and finish up getting ready for work. Wrong! Your co-workers will be hearing about you on the six o’clock news.

But the best investment you can make to protect your family from that thief in the night is a carbon monoxide detector.

Just like the smoke detector, the carbon monoxide detector will provide your family with the early warning needed to get up and get out to fresh air and another day of living!

Debbie Parkinson is a free lance writer researching and writing on various topics. Debbie’s passions are varied and include health, pets, and woodworking. Learn more about improving your health by using the Garmin Watch and checking out the full line of Garmin Watches. The Garmin GPS Watch is sure to keep you from getting lost on your long morning jogs.

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