Carbon Monoxide; Did You Know?

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that you can not see or smell carbon monoxide? Well, you can not!  At high levels it can kill a person in minutes.  Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels lie gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, and propane burn incompletely.  

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more that 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated that another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning.  All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups including, unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide.

An excess of carbon monoxide, leading to CO poisoning can result from faulty furnaces, or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in garages.

How to Recognize CO Poisoning

The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are;

1. Headache
2. Dizziness
3. Weakness
4. Nausea
5. Vomiting
6. Chest pain
7. Confusion

People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

CO Poisoning Precautionary Tips

• Have a carbon monoxide detector placed in your home and change the batteries every 6 months.
• Keep all vents and flues free of debris.
• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or coal burning appliances serviced by qualified technician yearly.
• Never run a motor vehicle, generator, or any gas powered engines less than 20 feet from an open window, door or vent.
• If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning call 911 or a health care professional right away.