Since things are starting to
cool down and you may be thinking about starting that furnace up for the first
time you might want to think about the silent and sometimes deadly killer.
Carbon monoxide. It is colorless and odorless but at high levels it can kill
you. It can be especially dangerous as you sleep since you’ll never notice the
symptoms until it’s too late.
Carbon monoxide can be given
off by anything that burns. From having a fire in your fireplace to your gas
stove to your gas or oil furnace. If your appliances are working correctly or
you’re using them correctly then there should be no issues. Idling cars in
their garages is one of the major causes for carbon monoxide poisoning. But there are a few effects that you should
be on the look out for. Headaches, dizziness, nausea and mental confusion are a
few symptoms. Fetuses, infants and the elderly are especially susceptible to
the effects are carbon monoxide.
Over 400 deaths are reported
each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The good news is that there are
ways to help prevent and detect carbon monoxide. Have your furnace and/or fireplace routinely
checked and cleaned. Make sure all flues
are properly connected and cleaned. Also, having good ventilation in your home
is crucial; having a tight home will only trap the “bad” air. There are also
some Don’ts. Don’t start your car in the garage in the winter to warm up, even
with the garage door open, the fumes still can quickly gather and even possibly
enter your home. Don’t sleep in any room with an unvented fuel burning
appliance. Installing carbon monoxide
detectors in the proper areas is very important. Follow the instruction manual
very carefully. Place a carbon monoxide detector outside sleeping areas so the sound will wake; also place one on every level of your home. Do not
place them too close to furnace or cooking appliance, normally not within 15
feet.
If you do feel like your
suffering any of the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, open all the doors
and windows to your home, turn off all fuel burning appliances and get out to
the fresh air. Call 911 or go to the emergency room and tell the doctors you
suspect carbon monoxide poisoning; it can be confirmed through blood tests if
soon after exposure.
Remember prevention is the key!
Remember prevention is the key!
