Although most carbon monoxide poisonings can be prevented with a little common sense, occasionally, malfunctioning appliances can create dangers.
Each year, hundreds of Americans are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, thousands more must be hospitalized due to advanced exposure. If you’re concerned about the potential risks carbon monoxide poses to you and your family, you need to learn the proper ways to prevent excessive exposure by shoring up potential problem areas.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an extremely poisonous odorless, colorless gas. Because it is flammable, carbon monoxide maintains a high fuel value in certain industries. In the past, carbon monoxide was used for certain types of home cooking, heating and lighting. However, these days, carbon monoxide is mainly used in manufacturing and other processes of industry.
Who Needs Carbon Monoxide Protection?
Carbon monoxide is generated after the oxidation of certain carbon containing compounds. That is to say: when things burn, carbon monoxide is produced. The main sources of carbon monoxide in a home include, gas burning ovens, stoves, water-heaters, furnaces, kerosene space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves. The general rule is: if it plugs into the wall, carbon monoxide is not likely to be produced. If it runs on any sort of fuel, whether it be gas, kerosene, wood, paper or oil; you can bet that at least some carbon monoxide will be expelled into the air. Although everything that burns fuel creates carbon monoxide, toxicity generally occurs due to human error or when older or poorly manufactured appliances malfunction.
What Are The Risks Associated With Carbon Monoxide?
Put simply: carbon monoxide kills. Since it cannot be detected by human senses, many fail to realize their home is filling with the toxic gas until it is too late. At low levels, carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, headaches, disorientation, fatigue and nausea. Often these symptoms are mistaken for influenza or rare infections or disorders. If you or a member of your family has been suffering from unexplained, debilitating, disease-like symptoms, you should have your home tested for carbon monoxide leaks. Often, patients are run through a gamut of unnecessary tests that fail to yield any sort of diagnosis, only to discover later that the cause of their symptoms was repeated carbon monoxide inhalation.
What Are The Benefits Of Carbon Monoxide Protection?
Most cases of carbon monoxide poisonings are due to human error. When it comes to carbon monoxide, proper safety etiquette and ventilation are the key. The following provides tips for avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure to select appliances that release exhaust outdoors if possible.
- Make sure items that produce carbon monoxide are properly installed, and maintained according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
- If you must use fuel-burning items indoors, open a window to ensure adequate ventilation.
- Never use gasoline in an attempt to heat your home.
- If you idle your car in the garage, make sure to open the door first. Many people are surprised to learn how quickly carbon monoxide can build up in an enclosed garage.
- Never use a gas or charcoal grill indoors.
- Ensure that your chimney and flue are in good condition and functioning properly.
- Kerosene and gas space heaters are especially dangerous if used improperly. Never sleep in an enclosed room or tent while one of these heaters is running.
- Products that use gasoline-powered engines like lawnmowers, snowblowers, generators, weed trimmers and chain saws should never be started in enclosed places. This includes tool sheds, enclosed basements or garages.
Since carbon monoxide cannot be detected by the senses, many are killed while they sleep. By far, the most efficient way you can protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning is to invest in a wall-mounted carbon monoxide detector. These products are relatively inexpensive and are highly effective at waking even the heaviest of sleepers.
