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You can't see it or smell it, but it can kill you. What can you do to stay safe? It's no secret that Carbon Monoxide (CO) can be deadly. Hundreds of people—young and old—die of emission poisoning every year. Cars, gas stoves and other fuel-burning appliances are usually the culprit.
The question is, how can you defend yourself against the so called “silent killer”?
Carbon monoxide is produced when fossil fuels like gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal are burned. Use your fuel burning appliances properly and the amount of carbon monoxide is minimal and not life threatening. Use them improperly or in a state of disrepair and you may be risking your life.
How does carbon monoxide enter the home?
1. A recent report from the United States reports that up to 30% of newly remodeled energy efficient buildings have indoor air quality problems related to carbon monoxide. New homes are constructed to seal in as much heat as possible. While this conserves energy, it limits free air exchange.
2. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel. Appliances such as water heaters, furnaces, stoves and space heaters that are fueled by natural gas, propane, kerosene or wood emit carbon monoxide.
3. If these appliances are not properly installed, maintained, or used, dangerous carbon monoxide emissions can result.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms are similar to illnesses such as the flu or the start of a cold.
At low levels, you or our family may experience:
• shortness of breath
• mild nausea
• mild headaches
Extended exposure to mild levels can have serious long term health effects:
• severe headaches
• dizziness or faintness
• vomiting
• mental confusion
• nausea
• fatigue
Symptoms will often become worse with continued exposure, and may include:
• severe headaches
• mental confusion
• vomiting
• vision and hearing impairment
• unconsciousness
When carbon monoxide poisoning reaches this final stage, memory loss, permanent brain damage, coma and eventually death can result.
If you experience symptoms that you think could be from carbon monoxide poisoning:
1. Get fresh air. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
2. Get to a hospital. If carbon monoxide poisoning has occurred, it can be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.
3. Prepare.
Answering these questions will help your physician diagnose you:
• Do your symptoms occur only in the house?
• Do they disappear or decrease when you leave home and appear when you return?
• Is anyone else in your house with similar symptoms?
• Do symptoms appear about the same time with everyone else?
• Do you use fuel-burning appliances in the home?
• have you had these appliances inspected lately?
• Are your appliances working properly?
Prevention can keep you alive and well.
1. Inspect it. Have all oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional prior to every winter. Make sure your flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.
2. According to the instructions…. Choose appliances that vent fumes outside, have them installed professionally, and maintain them to manufacturer instructions.
3. A little goes a long way. Read and follow all instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you can't avoid using an unvented fuel space heater, carefully follow cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window for ventilation.
4. Don't use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
5. Of running cars and closed garages… Don't idle your car in a garage, even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes build up fast in the garage and in your home.
6. Not even in a fireplace. Don't use a charcoal grill indoors.
7. Curling up with kerosene can kill you. Never sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
8. Do it outside. Use gasoline-powered mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators where nature intended it, outside.
9. If you feel sick, see your doctor. Don't ignore unusual or flu-like symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them in your house.
Be aware. Be prepared. And stay safe.
Safety is a choice.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to Contact Us. |
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• Personal Safety Habits
• Carbon Monoxide
• Poison/Medical Emergencies
• Fire Evacuation Plan
• Home Security Test
• Break-In Safety Procedures
• Flood Prevention and Response
• Further Resources
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