Pictured are examples of defective heat exchangers. These, along with a blocked flue or chimney, are among the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home.
Snow is falling, the wind is blowing outside, the temperature is hovering near or below the freezing mark; it’s a typical winter day.
Picture yourself snuggling in bed, nice and warm, when it is so cold outside. I imagine most are grateful for the wonderful gift of heat blowing through the ducts and out the vents all over the house. Now imagine you go to sleep and never wake up! What a dreadful thought. This happens all over Missouri as well as the U.S. at an alarming rate. Most of these incidents could be avoided, and many are not even diagnosed until it’s too late. Brain damage or death from this silent killer can occur very quickly due to a high concentration of this odorless, colorless, tasteless gas.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.
Carbon Monoxide is the most toxic substance you’ll come into contact with in your daily life - in your home, at work, garage, car, caravan and boat.
Where is CO found?
CO is found in combustion fumes such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.
How does CO poisoning work?
Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in the blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.
According the Center for Disease Control, each year, nearly 500 people die in the United States from carbon monoxide poisoning, and as many as 20,000 visit emergency rooms for exposure from poorly maintained heating systems and gas-powered generators.
Margaret Donnelly, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said carbon monoxide can make people sick and in high concentrations, can kill quickly. It’s especially sinister because it often strikes when people are sleeping.
Donnelly said last year 90 people in Missouri are known to have died from carbon monoxide exposure, and another 289 were sent to hospital emergency departments for treatment.
“Nearly everyone is aware of the need for smoke detectors, but many are not aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide,” says Brookfield Fire Chief, Jerry Wine. “It is very important to have a CO detector in your home with good batteries to help with early detection of any CO concentration so that you have a better chance of avoiding injury or death.”
Copyright 2011 Linn County Leader. Some rights reserved
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