Worried about carbon monoxide from the range

Symptoms

• Headache, dizziness, or nausea while cooking that improves when you leave the kitchen
• Soot or dark marks near the burners or oven vent
• No working carbon monoxide detector in or near the kitchen
• Kitchen has limited ventilation (no working range hood or windows)

Likely causes

• CommonPoor kitchen ventilation during cookingGas combustion always produces some carbon monoxide, which needs to be vented out.
• CommonYellow, sooty flame from a dirty burnerIncomplete combustion produces more carbon monoxide than a clean blue flame.
• CommonNo carbon monoxide detector installedMany homes don't have one specifically near the kitchen.
• PossibleMalfunctioning range venting to the outside via a hoodA non-vented or clogged range hood recirculates air instead of removing it.

What to do

1. If anyone feels dizzy, nauseous, or has a headache that improves after leaving the house, treat it as a possible emergency: get everyone into fresh air and call 911 or poison control.
2. Install a carbon monoxide detector near the kitchen if you don't have one, and test existing detectors' batteries.
3. Always run your range hood or open a window when cooking, especially for long cook times.
4. Check and clean burners as described in the yellow-flame guide, since a clean flame produces far less carbon monoxide.
5. Confirm your range hood vents to the outside rather than just recirculating air, if your kitchen has one.
6. Have your gas range and its venting inspected periodically by a professional, especially if it's older.

Tools and parts

• Carbon monoxide detector

When to call a pro

Have a licensed technician inspect your range's combustion and ventilation if you suspect a carbon monoxide issue, and call 911 or poison control for symptoms.

Safety