Birmingham Group Launches November Campaign to Combat Silent Gas Threat

The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association is spending November raising funds and educating the public about the risks of carbon monoxide in homes.

The Birmingham-based nonprofit is running a month-long campaign with a weekly thematic focus. The schedule begins with Start Safe from Nov. 1 to 7, followed by Growing Up Protected from Nov. 8 to 14. Everyday Protection is the theme for Nov. 15 to 21, while Nov. 22 to 28 focuses on Protecting Older Adults. The month concludes with Protection at Every Stage of Life from Nov. 29 to 30.

Charon McNabb, the organization’s president and founder, started the group after living in a home in West Bloomfield. She said the residence had four periodic leaks that a home inspector missed. A single carbon monoxide monitor in the large house failed to detect the gas. The exposure caused symptoms that persisted for years and led to medical misdiagnosis for her and her family.

McNabb cited her background in new technology and cross-functional teams as the inspiration for the association. She said the group aims to work with professionals to improve training, standards, and building codes. Her goal is to close gaps in safety so more people are not misdiagnosed.

Kevin Singer, executive director of the NCOAA, described the gas as a silent killer. He noted that it is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, but preventable. The organization is currently matching all donations received between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30. Contributors can give via credit card, check, or planned gifts. Other methods are available by contacting lcrain@ncoaa.us.

The association released a 2026 toolkit to help spread awareness. The materials are available at ncoaa.us/co-awareness-month-2026. The same website hosts a newsletter signup. Singer urged residents without a carbon monoxide alarm to purchase one immediately.