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Carbon Monoxide (CO) is
a colorless, odorless, deadly gas. Because you can't
see, taste, or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know
it's there. Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide
poisoning, especially unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens,
and people with heart or lung problems.
- Why
is Carbon Monoxide so dangerous?
It is attracted to hemoglobin in the bloodstream
and displaces the oxygen which the hemoglobin normally carries.
It forms a toxic compound called carboxyhemoglobin which
initially causes symptoms similar to the flu, such as headaches, fatigue,
nausea, dizziness, confusion, and irritability.
As the levels of this toxic compound increase, vomiting, loss
of consciousness, and brain damage or even death can result.
- Where does Carbon Monoxide
come from?
Carbon monoxide
is a byproduct of combustion, present whenever fuel is burned.
It is produced by common household appliances such as gas or
oil furnaces, gas dryers, water heaters, stoves, fireplaces, grills,
wood burners, and space heaters.
Fumes from automobiles can enter the home through walls or doorways
if a car is left running in an attached garage.
If the home is vented properly and all appliances in good working
order, normally carbon monoxide is safely vented to the outside.
But in today's energy efficient homes which are more weather
tight, carbon monoxide is more likely to be trapped inside the home
if there is a blocked vent or appliance malfunction.
- How can I protect myself
and my family?
Install at least
one carbon monoxide detector near the sleeping area in the home and
an additional detector near the home's heat source to add extra protection.
Detectors are available in battery operated or hard wired models
with battery backup.
Make sure to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors
and your smoke detectors twice a year when you change your clocks.
That way they will always be on the job to protect you and yours.
Have your appliances inspected and serviced by a qualified technician
on a regular basis to insure they are operating safely.
Never leave the car running in an attached garage, even if the
garage door is open, even for a short time.
Operate grills a safe distance from the house, so the fumes will
not be drawn inside.
Check all exhaust vents regularly (dryer, furnace, stove, etc).
Birds really like to build nests in them, which may be good for
them, but deadly for you.
Above all else, if your carbon monoxide detector goes off or
you suspect there is a carbon monoxide problem, evacuate your home and
call 911 for help immediately.
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