Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at Home

Carbon Monoxide is an extremely deadly gas that can kill. It is a poisonous gas that enters the home by way of fuel and gas burning appliances and other devices. It is often referred to as the 'silent killer' because there are often no signs of its presence until it is to late. Protect your family and yourself by learning how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that is poisonous. You can't see it, you can't smell it, and it has no taste. People are exposed to it from fuel powered appliances and other devices. Carbon monoxide poisoning is to blame for thousands of deaths each year. The risk of injury or death increases significantly during cold winter months, as people turn to gas powered heating appliances to warm their homes.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can often mimic those of the flu or other illness. If you have fuel-burning devices in your home, or have an attached garage or work area, be aware that your symptoms may be caused by carbon monoxide exposure. With that in mind, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as the following:

Low level exposure symptoms:

- Shortness of breath
- Mild nausea
- Mild headache

Moderate level exposure symptoms:

- Severe headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Mental confusion

In addition, more severe exposure can lead to:

- Chest pain
- Disorientation
- Convulsions and seizures
- Coma
- Death

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning at home

1. Never use gas appliances to heat the house, garage, or other building connected to the home.

2. Don't operate fuel-burning appliances inside the house, garage, or other connected building.

3. Don't leave a car running inside an attached garage, even if a garage window or door is left open.

4. Have a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. Check the battery operation each month.

5. If you have a gas stove or water heater, keep an eye on the pilot light. If it goes out, check that the air is free of gas before relighting.

6. Do not the air conditioner and the furnace at the same time. This can cause back drafting, which can cause carbon monoxide to spread through the house.

7. Never use a gas oven to heat your home.

8. Never sleep in a room with an unvented gas or kerosene heater.

9. Don't operate or run a gas powered lawn mower, chain saw, weed trimmer, etc., inside an attached garage.

10. Have a technician inspect and service your heating system and vent work before use.

If at any time you suspect that someone in your home is suffering from carbon monoxide exposure, get them outdoors at once and seek immediate medical attention. If you notice that the members of your family frequently feel ill only when inside the home, there may be a very slight leak that is causing the illness. Get out of the house and have a professional inspect the property at once.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

Invisible Dangers Lurking at Home

Danger Alert! - Radon Exposure Kills

How the New Lead Paint Laws May Affect You

Source:

Personal knowledge

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html