Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas that can be fatal to both humans and animals with excessive or prolonged exposure.. However, with a little information and some simple safety measures, you and your loved ones can avoid potential exposure.
This information on carbon monoxide poisoning and tips to keep your family safe from its effects are brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that is produced by the burning of fuel in cars, trucks or small engines. It can also come from stoves, grills, fire places, or portable generators/furnaces.
When this gas builds up it causes Carbon Monoxide poisoning in those who are exposed. According to the CDC, carbon monoxide poisoning proves fatal to hundreds of people each year. Additionally, more than 20,000 people visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized. Carbon Monoxide often goes undetected, but there are steps you can take to prevent exposure and ensure safety.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning occurs when excess levels of carbon monoxide are inhaled. The severity of illness depends on the duration and level of exposure..
For low to moderate exposure, some common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
With more extreme exposure, come more serious side effects such as:
- Mental confusion
- Vomiting
- Loss of muscular coordination
- Loss of Consciousness
- Death
If you ever feel like you’re experiencing symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, go outside to get fresh air immediately. Then, call emergency services.
Avoiding Exposure
The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to install battery operated detectors in the hallways of your home, specifically near sleeping areas. Be sure to check the batteries twice a year and replace detectors every 5 years.
Here are five additional tips to prevent elevated levels of carbon monoxide in your home.
- Have your furnace, gas heater and other gas appliances serviced by a professional every year.
- Never use a gas oven for heating your home
- Never use a generator inside your home, basement, garage, or within 20 feet of doors or window- Generators can produce fatal levels of carbon monoxide within minutes.
- Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year. Make sure your fireplace vent is open before lighting a fire and for a period after the fire is put out.
- Never run a car in an attached garage. When heating up a car in a detached garage, be sure to leave the door open to vent all of the fumes.
Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm!
If your alarm goes off, you should never stay inside the home looking for the source of the gas. Instead, follow these steps..
- Immediately move outside to get fresh air.
- Call 9-1-1, the gas company OR the fire department.
- Make sure that everyone is out of the home, including pets.
- Do not re-enter the home until emergency responders have given you the all-clear.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal and requires immediate attention. By understanding the sources of carbon monoxide, ensuring proper maintenance & ventilation of appliances, keeping carbon monoxide detectors up to code and recognizing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with this invisible threat.
Source: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/other-poisons/carbon-monoxide