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What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas produced by burning
any fuel. When inhaled, CO rapidly displaces oxygen in the
victims blood, resulting in serious illness, even death. Since
Carbon Monoxide is completely invisible, odorless and
tasteless, many people have no idea that they are being
poisoned until it is too late. Fore this reason, CO is often
called "The Silent Killer." Airtight design in today's modern
energy efficient homes can contribute to the problem by
confining CO contaminated air within the home.
Carbon monoxide is a common byproduct of vehicle exhaust
and appliances that run on flammable fuel, such as gas.
Appliances should always be checked to ensure that they are
in good working order and properly ventilated by a qualified
professional if necessary.
Common CO sources in the home include:
• Furnaces (Oil/Coal/Gas)
• Fireplaces
• Gas Dryers
• Gas Refrigerators
• Ranges/Stoves (Gas/Coal)
• Space/Area Heaters (Gas/Coal)
When used properly these appliances are not dangerous, but
if not properly vented, or not burning correctly, they can be
deadly.
What are the symptoms/dangers?
The symptoms of CO poisoning often imitate those of
common illnesses such as the flu. Some studies have
indicated an estimated 23.6% of people who have flu or
stress symptoms could actually be suffering from CO
poisoning. Victims of low level CO poisoning often experience
the following symptoms:
• Mild headaches • Drowsiness
• Shortage of breath • Dizzy spells
• Nausea
At higher levels CO poisoning can cause:
• Severe headaches • Impaired vision/hearing
• Mental confusion • Loss of consciousness
• Fatigue • Vomiting
• Coma
Severe CO poisoning can cause:
• Irregular heartbeat • Coma
• Amnesia • Death
• Brain damage
What can I do to protect my family?
Medical studies have shown a high percentage of the
population is particularly vulnerable to CO, especially low
levels over a long period of time. This high risk group includes
fetuses, children, the elderly, and those with heart and lung
disorders. When inhaled, CO combines with hemoglobin in red
blood cells to form substances that work to decrease oxygen
levels and eventually asphyxiate the victim.
The awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide combined
with the use of CO detectors in the home will dramatically
reduce the incidents of tragic deaths and frightening near
misses that result from CO leaks.
It is recommended at least one CO detector be installed near
the sleeping area of your home. Additional detectors are
advised for the common living areas of the home or installed
near (but not directly over) other emission sources such as
heating appliances. However, detectors should not be located
near a bathroom where humidity from a shower may affect it's
operation. Also, fingernail polish and hair spray adversely
affect CO sensors.
What do I do if my detector goes off?
If your CO detector does activate the first thing you should do
is call 911. After calling 911 you should calmly evacuate
family members and pets to outside the home or a neighbors
house. DO NOT open windows and doors to air out the home,
this will prevent firefighters from detecting the source. When
the fire department arrives they will inspect the home with
monitoring devices and then let fresh air in the house if it is
necessary.
Never hesitate to call for help if your CO detector is activated,
helping you in these situations is what firefighters spend so
much time training for and we are always willing to help.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas produced by burning
any fuel. When inhaled, CO rapidly displaces oxygen in the
victims blood, resulting in serious illness, even death. Since
Carbon Monoxide is completely invisible, odorless and
tasteless, many people have no idea that they are being
poisoned until it is too late. Fore this reason, CO is often
called "The Silent Killer." Airtight design in today's modern
energy efficient homes can contribute to the problem by
confining CO contaminated air within the home.
Carbon monoxide is a common byproduct of vehicle exhaust
and appliances that run on flammable fuel, such as gas.
Appliances should always be checked to ensure that they are
in good working order and properly ventilated by a qualified
professional if necessary.
Common CO sources in the home include:
• Furnaces (Oil/Coal/Gas)
• Fireplaces
• Gas Dryers
• Gas Refrigerators
• Ranges/Stoves (Gas/Coal)
• Space/Area Heaters (Gas/Coal)
When used properly these appliances are not dangerous, but
if not properly vented, or not burning correctly, they can be
deadly.
What are the symptoms/dangers?
The symptoms of CO poisoning often imitate those of
common illnesses such as the flu. Some studies have
indicated an estimated 23.6% of people who have flu or
stress symptoms could actually be suffering from CO
poisoning. Victims of low level CO poisoning often experience
the following symptoms:
• Mild headaches • Drowsiness
• Shortage of breath • Dizzy spells
• Nausea
At higher levels CO poisoning can cause:
• Severe headaches • Impaired vision/hearing
• Mental confusion • Loss of consciousness
• Fatigue • Vomiting
• Coma
Severe CO poisoning can cause:
• Irregular heartbeat • Coma
• Amnesia • Death
• Brain damage
What can I do to protect my family?
Medical studies have shown a high percentage of the
population is particularly vulnerable to CO, especially low
levels over a long period of time. This high risk group includes
fetuses, children, the elderly, and those with heart and lung
disorders. When inhaled, CO combines with hemoglobin in red
blood cells to form substances that work to decrease oxygen
levels and eventually asphyxiate the victim.
The awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide combined
with the use of CO detectors in the home will dramatically
reduce the incidents of tragic deaths and frightening near
misses that result from CO leaks.
It is recommended at least one CO detector be installed near
the sleeping area of your home. Additional detectors are
advised for the common living areas of the home or installed
near (but not directly over) other emission sources such as
heating appliances. However, detectors should not be located
near a bathroom where humidity from a shower may affect it's
operation. Also, fingernail polish and hair spray adversely
affect CO sensors.
What do I do if my detector goes off?
If your CO detector does activate the first thing you should do
is call 911. After calling 911 you should calmly evacuate
family members and pets to outside the home or a neighbors
house. DO NOT open windows and doors to air out the home,
this will prevent firefighters from detecting the source. When
the fire department arrives they will inspect the home with
monitoring devices and then let fresh air in the house if it is
necessary.
Never hesitate to call for help if your CO detector is activated,
helping you in these situations is what firefighters spend so
much time training for and we are always willing to help.
| Carbon Monoxide |