The dead of winter is here, which means a whole lot of staying indoors and your furnace working overtime. While there’s no feeling like being cozy in a warm home on a cold winter’s day, that warmth may be hiding an invisible threat in your home. One you can’t see, smell, or taste. That threat is carbon monoxide (CO), one of the most dangerous hazards your home faces. According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal[1], over 14,000 people were hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning nationally. But why is carbon monoxide so dangerous, and how does it even get in your home? Most importantly, how do you keep carbon monoxide out of your home before it becomes a deadly hazard?
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. It is most common as a combustion byproduct, either from car engines, yard equipment, or home heating appliances. In low concentrations in areas with good airflow, carbon monoxide rarely presents a health hazard. However, in confined spaces and in high concentrations, carbon monoxide becomes extremely dangerous. When carbon monoxide enters the body, it depletes the blood of oxygen, thus suffocating the heart, brain, and other vital organs. This causes carbon monoxide poisoning (similar to hypoxia), which includes symptoms such as head-aches, nausea, dizziness, or other flu-like symptoms as described by the CDC[2]. Without treatment, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness or death; it commonly kills people in their sleep, as they become unconscious before symptoms occur.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
Common sources of carbon monoxide are combustion engines and heating appliances. These include combustion furnaces, gas water heaters, cars, yard and lawn equipment, and gas generators. If engines from a car or portable generator are left idling in a confined space, such as a garage, carbon monoxide will build up to lethal levels. Combustion furnaces and water heaters are always vented to ensure their byproducts escape the house, as are stoves and ovens. When complete combustion occurs in these appliances, the only byproducts are carbon dioxide and water vapor. However, incomplete combustion will result in the formation of carbon monoxide and other hazardous byproducts. If an appliance is improperly vented, or if there isn’t enough pressure to force these byproducts upward, these toxic gases can spill over into the home.
How can I keep my home safe?
If you haven’t already, install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home immediately, as recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission[3]. Be sure to install it close to your bedroom; if you are asleep, the alarm will wake you up and make you aware of the danger. If the detector goes off, evacuate all people and pets from the home immediately and call 911. If possible, install a second one by utility rooms, too; if a furnace or water heater is emitting carbon monoxide, it will be detected at its source. You can also proactively prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Never leave a car idling in an attached garage, even with the garage door open. If the power goes out, set up a portable generator outside at least 20 feet from all doors and windows. Service your gas appliances annually, to ensure they are properly venting and combusting.
What does the Ecology Action Center recommend?
Have a BNEnergyBright energy audit done for your home! It includes carbon monoxide testing to ensure your gas appliances are safe for you and for the audit professional, on top of identifying any other energy inefficiencies in your home that could be costing you money.
All of the recommendations mentioned above will help prevent any issues from carbon monoxide in your home. CO is a dangerous hazard, but one that can be easily prevented to ensure your home stays safe and cozy all winter.
FEDERAL TAX LAW CHANGES REGARDING CHARITABLE DONATIONS FOR 2026
This new law gives “everyday donors” a chance to give back and receive a tax deduction!
Your contributions/donations to non-profit charities/organizations may be tax deductible starting January 1, 2026. Most recently, those donations were only allowable for taxpayers who filed their returns and also itemized their deductions (Itemized deductions typically include such things as medical costs, charitable contributions, state taxes and various expenses related to owning a home.) Persons who did not itemize and instead used the standard deduction option could not take a tax deduction for their charitable giving.
Most taxpayers (87% according to the IRS) use the standard deduction option when filing their taxes. This is because the Tax Cuts and Job Act 0f 2018 significantly increased the dollar amount of the standard deduction.So only a taxpayer who could claim MANY itemized deductions could receive a greater benefit than claiming the standard deduction.
The new Federal tax rule will allow taxpayers who take the standard deduction to claim a tax deduction for charitable giving. If you don’t itemize your taxes, you will now be able to deduct up to:
·$1000 in cash contributions (for individuals)
·$2000 in cash contributions (for married couples filing jointly)
This change opens the door for millions of Americans to have a tax benefit when they donate directly to a 501 (c) (3) charity or organization. Questions can be directed to our Development Coordinator Deborah Pitcher through our contact us page by selecting 2071 fund.
The Ecology Action Center is 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.The donations we receive greatly assist us in meeting our goals of creating, strengthening and preserving a healthy environment for our community.Donations can be made easily online at: Ecololgyactioncenter.org/donate or by mail to the EAC, PO Box 97 Normal, IL 61761
Board Member Spotlight: Kari Sandhaas
My name is Kari Sandhaas and I’m a longtime board member for the Ecology Action Center – since 2007!
My past roles have included Board President and Vice President, chair of Board Development and Marketing committees, and an occasional fill-in for Treasurer and Secretary. I have contributed graphic design support for EAC programs, events and marketing, and assisted with brand development. I co-led strategic planning, development of the EAC mission, and board/staff retreats and guidelines.
I am proud of our EAC mission, as it is both aspirational and practical, and represents the EAC focus on the well-being of everyone and all living things in our local environment: “To inspire and assist residents of McLean County to create and preserve a healthy environment.”
I am especially proud of the very long history of the EAC, from its roots as a “one time” all-volunteer recycling drive back in 1971 to a well-established public-private partnership, coordinator of environmental education, highly respected resource, and visionary environmental organization. Who else has the audacity to commit to planting thousands of native trees every year! Who else initiates air quality monitoring, watershed protection, local Yard Smart practices, hazardous waste collection, clean energy use, and more, as it inspires young and old to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Why? These are things I value. But it’s also very personal. My father suffered many brutal years of Parkinson’s Disease, which research now links to environmental poisons, such as exposure to pesticides and other chemicals. He grew up working as an auto mechanic in his father’s garage eventually taking over the business as his life-long work. He was consistently exposed to leaded gas, solvents, and other potent chemicals.
I am grateful to all of our partners, members and especially the EAC’s board, staff and volunteers for taking this work forward – for your past and future work – to ensure current and future generations breathe clean air, drink fresh water, and live and work in a healthy environment. YOU are the ones that make this happen!
Our old EAC motto was “local action makes a world of difference.” Indeed, it certainly does!
PS: Please join me in honoring the past and supporting the future work of the EAC by donating to the EAC 2071 Endowment Fund – creating a century of progress from 1971 to 2071 and beyond!
PFAS Reduction
PFAS or “forever chemicals” are a hot topic in the media for good reason. Even if you have never heard of PFAS before, you have used products that contain them. Forever chemicals or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals which all contain a strong carbon-fluorine bond, making these chemicals difficult to break down in the environment. PFAS are resistant to grease, oil, water, and heat so they are commonly found in stain- and water-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, paints, and fire-fighting foam. They are also used in cookware, food packaging, and food processing equipment[1]. Brands most recognizable for utilizing PFAS include Teflon and Gore-Tex, however most people have many products in their home which contain these chemicals such as non-stick pans and waterproof clothing.
Due to PFAS ‘forever’ nature, legislation is being introduced to ban their use. This includes Illinois House Bill (HB) 2516, which was passed as a public act in August of 2025. HB 2516 will phase out the use of intentionally added PFAS by 2032 in cosmetics, intimate apparel, menstrual products, dental floss, and juvenile products[2]. Although this is one big step for Illinois, funding has been cut at the federal level for public health PFAS research[3].
While 2032 is a long time away, there are things you can do to decrease your PFAS exposure. To decrease exposure through drinking water, utilize water filters designed to remove PFAS to nondetectable levels. Not all filters are created equal, so look for filters that meet the National Sanitation Foundation standards. To learn how to pick a water filter, watch this video from the Washington State Department of Health. Filtered water should be utilized for drinking, cooking, and preparing formula. For water known to be contaminated with PFAS, it is recommended that filtered water be utilized for produce gardens and for pets and livestock drinking water[4].
For cooking switch to steel or cast-iron cookware. Steer away from non-stick pans and PFOA labeled items. If you are unable to invest in new cookware then do not preheat your pans or use then in an oven over 400 degrees. When cleaning, avoid steel wool as they release the coating[5].
While PFAS are widespread and long-lasting, increased awareness and informed choices can help reduce everyday exposure. By staying informed about emerging legislation and taking practical steps at home, such as using appropriate water filtration, you can protect you and your family’s while reducing PFAS in our environment.
[1]Vogler, Kathryn. “Ecology Action Center News,” June 2024.
