Carbon Monoxide

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!