When a carbon monoxide (CO) incident happens on a school campus, one of the first questions everyone asks is: “Where did it come from?” Parents want to know. Staff want to know. Journalists want to know. Fire marshals and investigators need  to know. But right now, the language we use to describe CO sources in schools is inconsistent and confusing. News stories call it a “gas leak,” a “ventilation problem,” an “equipment issue,” or simply “fumes,” even when the actual hazard

If you’re responsible for a school, childcare center, campus facility, or any public building, you may have been told some version of: “Don’t worry; we have CO detectors installed.” But here’s the problem: Most buildings rely on carbon monoxide devices that weren’t designed for educational or multi-room environments. And many assume all CO detection devices work the same; they don’t.

Every year, students and educators are exposed to, and often poisoned by, a gas that no one can see, smell, taste, or hear: carbon monoxide. At CO Safe Schools, we believe that awareness isn't enough; we need a framework that helps everyone understand how to take action. That's why we developed the 4 P's of CO Safety: poison, prevention, protection, and preparedness.

"Negative air pressure" may sound harmless, but it's a big factor in carbon monoxide buildup in school buildings.

A look at Boston Public Schools Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) dashboard, released in 2022.