You can’t see or smell
carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon
monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood,
or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used
properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if
appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels
of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO
poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances.
Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly
people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory
disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe.
Know the symptoms of CO
poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches,
become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these
levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild
nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health.
Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning,
or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.
If you experience symptoms
that you think could be from CO poisoning:
GET FRESH AIR
IMMEDIATELY by opening doors and windows, turning off combustion appliances
and leaving the house.
GO TO AN EMERGENCY
ROOM and tell the physician you suspect
CO poisoning.
If CO poisoning has
occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.
Be prepared to answer the
following questions for the doctor:
·
Do
your symptoms occur only in the house? Do they disappear or decrease when you
leave home and reappear when you return?
·
Is
anyone else in your household complaining of similar symptoms? Did everyone’s
symptoms appear about the same time?
·
Are
you using any fuel-burning appliances in the home?
·
Has
anyone inspected your appliances lately? Are you certain they are working
properly?
Prevention is the Key to Avoiding
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
·
have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas
water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters,
fireplaces, and wood stoves -- inspected by a trained professional at the
beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are
connected, in good condition, and not blocked.
·
choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever
possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to
manufacturers’ instructions.
·
read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning
device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully
follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep
doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for
ventilation and proper fuel-burning.
·
DON’T idle
the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes
can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
·
DON’T use a
gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
·
DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace.
·
DON'T sleep
in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
·
DON’T use
any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws,
small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.
·
DON’T ignore
symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose
consciousness and die if you do nothing.