What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas and is leading cause of fatal poisonings in the United States. Carbon monoxide is so deadly because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the fumes and most people that are killed by it are not aware of the danger. The beginning more mild symptoms are flu like in nature and our often mistaken as such. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue.

There are many items that will emit carbon monoxide including kerosene and gas heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces, generators, and automobile exhaust. Un-vented fumes from any of these items will cause the beginning effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The level in an average home without gas stoves range from .5-5 parts per million, while homes with a gas stove range from 5-15 parts per million. While no levels have been agreed upon by health organizations, the easiest way to protect your family is by obtaining a carbon monoxide monitor. The monitor, much like a smoke alarm, sounds an alarm when the carbon monoxide reaches a certain level.

Always make sure combustion equipment is maintained and adjusted to the proper levels. Vehicles should not be left running in enclosed areas, like buildings and garages. Ways to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning include opening the flue on the fireplace, have your heating system professionally inspect annually, turn the car off inside the garage, install exhaust fans over gas stoves that vent outdoors and take caution when using kerosene heaters.

Four people were found dead in their Seattle, Washington home this week due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Due to the large storms in the area, the family was left without power and had been running a generator in their garage. Two other carbon monoxide deaths were reported due to carbon monoxide poisoning. One man had been using a generator in his living room and the other was using charcoal to warm his bedroom. Medical officials in Washington also stated that they were facing a "carbon monoxide epidemic" as nearly 100 people have been treated for carbon monoxide poisoning since the storm.

Treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning is limited and many still suffer and die, after the cause of the illness is determined. Ill patients are given pure oxygen to help expel the carbon monoxide and others are put into a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber. The HBOT is very beneficial to those suffering and is done by placing the individual in a hyperbaric chamber and elevating the blood oxygen percentages to over 1000 times the normal levels.

This winter, and all year long, please heed caution to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Use common sense and proper ventilation when using combustible equipment to warm your home. Purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries whenever you change the batteries in your smoke detector.