carbon monoxide poisoning

What can I do to protect myself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

It’s that time of year again. The summer is winding down and fall and winter home preparations are now the next “project.”

In addition to putting the mower and boat away, sealing windows and getting the snow blower and shovels ready, we must be aware of some serious and potentially life threatening conditions. During the winter months, we naturally spend more time inside with closed or sealed windows. It is for this fact that we must address a real threat, carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a potentially lethal element that is produced whenever any fuel such as gasoline, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. Idling cars produce carbon monoxide. It can also be found in oil or gas furnaces and fuel burning appliances, such as kerosene heaters, that are not maintained or used properly. Make no mistake, Carbon Monoxide can be life threatening if not handled appropriately. Women who are pregnant, infants, elderly people or those with anemia, heart or respiratory disease can be
especially susceptible.

What are the signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

You can’t see it or smell it, but you can feel its effects. The symptoms of CO poisoning can be deceptive. At low levels you may notice shortness of breath, mild headaches and mild nausea. CO poisoning can also produce longer term health effects. At moderate levels you and your family may have severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea or faint. At high levels, it can be fatal. If several members of your family have flu like symptoms at once, and they seem to clear up when people leave the house have your appliances checked for carbon monoxide. Please call (423)569-4457 for 24 hour response.

What can I do to protect myself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Prevention is the key:

1. Be sure to keep all your appliances, ovens and gas or fuel oil
furnace in proper working order. Change furnace filters regularly,
especially at the start of each heating season. Have your fuel burning appliance or gas/fuel oil furnace regularly cleaned and inspected by a professional technician.

2. Think smart, think safe. Do not use any fuel burning appliance in any manner other than what it is intended for. Do not use a gas oven to heat your house. Not even for a short time. Do not sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater. Do not use a charcoal grill indoors, even in a fireplace. Do not use any gas-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, chain saws, generators, etc.) in enclosed spaces.

3. Make certain that the flues and chinmeys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked or restricted in any way.

4. Choose appliance that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible. Make certain that all fuel burning appliances, such as oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces and woods stoves are installed according to manufacturers’ instructions and operating properly.

5. Know the symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea or feelings of faintness.

6. Consider installing a CO detector in your home. Non-governmental organizations such as Consumers Union, The American Gas Association and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) can help you make an informed decision.Look for UL certification on any detector you purchase. Carefully follow manufacturers’ instructions for placement, use and maintenance.
What can I do if I have been exposed to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

1. Get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off fuel burning appliances and have all household members leave the house immediately.

2. Seek medical attention and inform the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If Carbon Monoxide poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test soon after exposure.

3. Before returning, have your home inspected by a qualified technician.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is a serious, but controllable element. Please use caution and common sense when using any fuel burning appliance. Also, do not ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and the situation can become fatal if you do not act accordingly.