Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Every year in the United States over 200 people die and another 10,000 are seen at hospitals for carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquefied petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal and wood produce CO. Running your cars or other gas powered engines, also produce CO.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
What should you do to prevent CO poisoning?
Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals. Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by professionals.
Install a CO detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard.
Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home and on every floor.
Never use portable gas or charcoal to heat or cook with inside a home.
Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
What should you do if you are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning?
Get to fresh air immediately and call 911.
What should you do if your CO detector/alarm is sounding?
Never ignore an alarming CO detector/alarm. If the detector/alarm sounds: Operate the reset button. Call your emergency services (fire department or 911). Immediately move to fresh air.
Carbon Monoxide is deadly, it is known as the silent killer. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless you will not even know that this poisonous gas is present in your home until it is too late. This year give yourself a present, buy a Carbon Monoxide Detector/Alarm.
Information in this article is from Consumer Product Safety Commission and U.S. Fire Administration.
