It’s nicknamed the “silent killer.” It’s odorless, tasteless, invisible, present virtually everywhere, and it can kill you while you sleep. The symptoms of exposure often go undetected because they mimic those of other common ailments.
Every year, thousands of Americans are rushed to hospital emergency rooms for treatment and, worse, there’s new evidence that indicates that what were once considered safe levels of this common gas can irreversibly damage the brains of small children.
What is this deadly gas? It’s carbon monoxide, and as lethal as exposure to it can be, it can also be minimized by following a few simple tips.
Carbon monoxide poisoning – the basics
All those things that keep you warm in winter—fuel-burning appliances such as fireplaces, wood burning stoves, gas furnaces, and heaters—make this gas. That’s why the threat is especially high this time of year. We’re inside more and we’re using these appliances a lot. If one of them malfunctions or is used improperly, the silent killer can escape and seep into your home.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
In advanced stages, they also include:
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of muscle control
- Weakness
- Unconsciousness
What to do
Though carbon monoxide poisoning is largely preventable, each year there are an estimated 15,000 confirmed cases of CO poisoning, and 500 deaths resulting from excessive carbon monoxide exposure. The solution? Get carbon monoxide monitoring as part of your Monitronics home security system.
Other safety tips include:
- Place a monitored carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home and outside of every sleeping area.
- Have all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems inspected by a qualified professional on a yearly basis.
- Do not use your stove or oven to heat your home.
- Do not use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.
- Do not run your car in the garage, even if the garage door is open.
- Do not use gas-powered power tools or generators indoors or in your garage.
- Only use space heaters that have been evaluated by an independent testing lab, such as UL, ETL, CSA, and others.
Bill
Much less known about carbon monoxide exposure and poisoning is the damage that it can cause, resulting in a large number of serious health problems. Especially problems having to do with brain and nervous system functioning. Poisoning is especially risky in today’s tightly sealed homes, the majority of which do not have co detectors. There is an especially good site on the potential ongoing health effects of carbon monoxide poisoning http://www.carbon-monoxide-survivor.com
1 October 2009 at 6:34 pm
Jason
Excellent points that clarify the need even more for monitored carbon monoxide protection. Thanks for sharing.
2 October 2009 at 3:30 pm
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