Winter brings the risk of carbon monoxide posioning, according to Jeanne Hossenlopp, an associate professor of chemistry.
"Carbon monoxide, especially during the winter months, can be a danger," Hossenlopp said.
According to the American Lung Association, carbon monoxide kills nearly 300 people in their homes every year.
The cold weather means people will increase their use of furnaces, water heaters and other appliances, which also means there is more risk of a carbon monoxide leak in houses and apartments.
"Carbon monoxide is a very serious threat," said Randall Zingler, Milwaukee Fire Department deputy chief. "If you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home while you are asleep you could die from it before you wake up."
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs on a fairly regular basis, mostly to those who are uneducated about the threat of carbon monoxide, Zingler said.
He said the easiest way to prevent carbon monoxide leaks is to make sure all gas appliances work properly and install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor.
"I'm the only one in my house who has considered installing a detector, but I didn't do anything about it," said Collin Eggebrecht, a senior in the College of Health Sciences who lives in an off-campus house.
Joe Fernandez, a College of Communication junior who also lives in an off-campus house, said he has not considered having his house's gas appliances or installing a carbon monoxide detector in his home.
Carbon monoxide poisoning affects thousands each year in the United States and is the leading cause of death by poisoning, according to the American Lung Association Web site.
The affect of carbon monoxide depends on how much a person is exposed to, Hossenlopp said.
"Unfortunately, a lot of the time people think of it as the flu," said Mary Powers, poison control supervisor with the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Powers said initial exposure to carbon monoxide causes nausea, fatigue and headache. As exposure increases, these symptoms become more severe and one loses coordination and eventually loses consciousness.
Carbon monoxide also presents a threat of long-term health problems.
"There can be memory loss, mood changes and loss of coordination due to carbon monoxide poisoning because it affects the nervous system," Powers said.
When a person is exposed to carbon monoxide in his house, he should cut off the source of carbon monoxide, ventilate or exit the house as soon as possible and call the local fire department, according to Zingler.
To prevent a carbon monoxide leak in houses, proper furnace maintenance is the most important thing to do, according to Powers. Beyond that, the homeowner should make sure not to use fuel-burning space heaters in an enclosed area.
Also, installation of carbon monoxide detectors greatly increases safety against carbon monoxide leaks.
Zingler said many carbon monoxide detectors are prone to false alarms, however, "it is a small price to pay for your safety."