How can one often identify a potential carbon monoxide leak?

Identifying a potential carbon monoxide leak is primarily linked to observing unexpected health symptoms in individuals exposed to the gas. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can lead to serious health issues, including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. If occupants in a home or a building start exhibiting these symptoms, it can be a telltale sign that they may be experiencing carbon monoxide exposure.

While other indicators such as visual discoloration of a furnace or fogging in windows can signal heating system malfunctions or issues with ventilation, they are not definitive signs of carbon monoxide specifically. Additionally, unlike more common household gases, carbon monoxide does not have a detectable smell, which makes options mentioning funny smells less relevant for identifying leaks. Therefore, monitoring occupant health is crucial in recognizing the dangers posed by carbon monoxide and taking actionable steps to ensure safety.