It seems a few years ago, getting carbon monoxide detectors were the things to do. Recent deaths in the news of some prominent people, spurred interest and it seemed everyone was getting these alarm detectors.

Somehow, this seemed out of vogue, but the sobering facts still have not changed: 10,000 people in the United States are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, with hundreds of deaths occurring each year. It is the most commonly prevalent poison in the environment. A little knowledge of carbon monoxide poisoning can keep your family safe.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, yet deadly gas that is a byproduct of fuel burning appliances, such as stoves, heaters, and exhaust fumes. It is also found in tobacco smoke. We cant smell or taste the gas  its odorless, tasteless, and nonirritating.

Our red blood cells normally carry oxygen to our bodys tissues. But, as the level of carbon monoxide in the air rises, our red blood cells will absorb and carry the carbon monoxide rather than oxygen.

Essentially the carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen normally carried by our red blood cells, and prevents oxygen from reaching our bodys tissues. Toxic levels of carbon monoxide can lead to difficulty in breathing, brain damage, and death.

Appliances that are working properly usually cannot build up carbon monoxide, but improper or faulty use of these appliances can.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

In many ways, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu. Headaches, nausea and vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are just a few of the symptoms that a build up of carbon monoxide can cause.

One potential clue is that the symptoms get worse when in a home with high carbon monoxide levels, and dissipate when leaving. Also, all family members will be affected by symptoms simultaneously, not just one or a few. Sometimes, a pinkish or reddish hue is seen in the face of a person with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Answer the questions below: Has it been more than one year since you have had your fireplace, chimney vent, gas appliances or other fuel-burning appliances checked by an expert for proper operation, defects, or debris? Do you use your gas range or oven, or a portable gas camp stove for heating your home? Does the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator give off an odor? Have you ever used a charcoal grill, such as a barbecue grill, for cooking within your home in an area other than a vented fireplace? Has it been more than one year since you had a mechanic check your cars exhaust system? Do you ever run your cars engine in the garage while the garage door is shut, or with the door connecting the garage to the house open? If you are driving slowly in heavy traffic and you have your air conditioner on, do you keep your car windows tightly shut? A toxic level of carbon monoxide could result if you have answered yes to any of these questions. Take the appropriate steps to have your car, appliances, or fireplaces checked and/or change your habits. You could save a life!

What can I do?

If you suspect that you might have carbon monoxide poisoning, the most important thing you can do is get fresh air.

Immediately open windows, go outside, and leave the house, making sure all potential appliances that could be causing it are turned off. Seek a doctor in a clinic, or an emergency room if symptoms are severe.

What about the relationship between SIDS and carbon monoxide poisoning?

There is a prevailing theory that carbon monoxide poisoning may be responsible for many of the deaths of Sudden Death Infant Syndrome (SIDS). There have been similarities seen in both carbon monoxide poisoning and SIDS (similar symptoms, tobacco use in the home, and pathologic diagnoses), however we dont have enough information to draw a conclusion yet.

How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by making sure all furnaces, heaters, gas ovens and dryers, and other fuel-burning appliances are working properly. You may even wish to have a qualified technician inspect all equipment before using them.

When using fireplaces, make sure there is adequate ventilation. Make sure chimneys are unblocked, and flues are not clogged. Avoid using gas equipment in enclosed spaces, such as a grill or kerosene space heater, and dont idle your car for prolonged periods, even if the garage door is open.

What about carbon monoxide monitors?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advocates the use of carbon monoxide monitors, but warns to not let these monitors lull you into a false sense of security. It is more important to make sure all appliances working properly.

Also, there has been a number of recalls in recent years on these monitors, and they are generally not regarded as reliable as todays smoke detectors. Make sure you do some research on making sure you get an effective product. Install them near sleeping areas, where monitoring the level of carbon monoxide is crucial, and make sure you check the batteries at least twice a year.

Reference:
Environmental Protection Agency, EPA-402-F-96-005, October 1996, Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Environmental Health, Checklist for the Prevention of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning.

 

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