How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas that can kill a person in minutes. Whenever gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal are burned, carbon monoxide is produced. If appliances that burn fuel are tended and used correctly, the amount of carbon monoxide produced is usually not hazardous. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by appliances that are not used properly or that are malfunctioning. Even more people die from carbon monoxide produced from idling cars. Since carbon monoxide rapidly builds up in the body, the victims rarely get help before they are overcome.
Once inhaled, carbon monoxide:
* Decreases the capacity of blood to carry oxygen;
*Permanent brain damage can occur
* Can cause chest pains or heart attacks in people with heart disease.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
* Headache
* Dizziness
* Fatigue
* Weakness
* Confusion
* Nausea
Steps to take for carbon monoxide poisoning avoidance.
* Never burn charcoal inside homes, tents, campers, vans, trucks, garages, or mobile homes. Do not burn charcoal in the fireplace in your home.
* Never use gasoline powered equipment indoors. “Adequate ventilation” is essential when using gasoline powered equipment. Since determining how much ventilation is “adequate” it is therefor always best to use this kind of equipment outdoors!
*Do not use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
*Even with the garage door open, do not idle your car in a garage.
* Never sleep in a room when using an unvented gas or kerosene heater.
* Ensure that chimneys and flues are in excellent condition and are not blocked.
* Have oil and gas appliances and fireplaces as well as wood stoves checked every year by a trained professional.
*While carbon monoxide warning devices add protection, they should not displace the other prevention steps.
What are the steps you should if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning?
* Move the person to a place with fresh air immediately.
*Transport the person to the emergency room and inform doctors that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
To find out more First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detectors
