All About Carbon Monoxide

Odorless, tasteless and deadly

When is it present?

Combustion of any fuel, gas, oil, wood, or charcoal produces the deadly substance. Appliances such as hot water heaters and gas ranges need to be maintained properly to ensure that they are not producing deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Hundreds of deaths are documented each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Idling cars are even more dangerous killing even more people per year. Children, the elderly, and sufferers of anemia, heart, or respiratory diseases are the most susceptible.

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms

If no carbon monoxide alarms are installed the only way the presence of carbon monoxide can be detected is by its effects on individuals. Moderate levels of carbon monoxide effects include severe headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea and fainting. Even with moderate levels of carbon monoxide death can result if the problem persists. Recognizing the symptoms is important because they can be confused easily with other ailments such as the flu or food poisoning.

Steps to take

There are a number of steps to take if you feel the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning,

Open the windows in your home and turn off any suspect appliances.

Vacate the building immediately.

Get to an emergency room to determine if you are in fact experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. A doctor will be able to run blood tests to confirm if you have been poisoned.

If it is established that you are a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning, you will need to have your home's fuel burning appliances inspected and repaired.

Have fuel-burning appliances checked once a year, when you begin using your furnace.

Carbon monoxide detectors

It is important to install a carbon monoxide alarm so that you can add an extra level of protection. A carbon monoxide alarm is no substitute for proper maintenance and preventative measures. It is too easy for a carbon monoxide alarm to be poorly calibrated, which can either make the unit either too sensitive or not sensitive enough. Continual false alarms can be as dangerous as no alarm at all. An overly sensitive alarm tends to inure users to an alarm that may one day be essential.

More information on carbon monoxide detectors