What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas produced as a common
by-product of incomplete combustion. It is commonly produced when fossil fuels,
like oil, gas or coal, burn. Since you can't see, taste or smell it, carbon
monoxide can kill you before you even know it's there. Exposure to low
levels over time can make you sick.
Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous?
Carbon monoxide robs your body of the oxygen it needs to function. If you inhale
even a small amount of carbon monoxide, it quickly displaces oxygen. This
produces a toxic compound in your blood that produces flu-like symptoms, such as
headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability. Because the
symptoms are so similar to the flu, carbon monoxide poisoning can easily be
misdiagnosed. As levels of COHb rise in the blood, victims suffer vomiting, loss
of consciousness and eventually brain damage and or death.
Who is at risk from CO poisoning?
Because everyone needs oxygen to live, everyone is at risk. But medical
experts believe unborn babies, infants, children, seniors and people with heart
and lung problems are the most susceptible to CO poisoning.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
CO can be produced by a wide variety of appliances that burn fossil fuel.
These include furnaces, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters or space
heaters. When these appliances are vented properly, and there is enough fresh
air in your home to allow complete combustion, the trace amounts of carbon
monoxide produced are typically not dangerous.
What can I do to combat the problem?
Since problems with CO generally are caused by malfunctioning appliances, it
is important to have your furnace/heating
system checked and serviced regularly by a professional. Fireplace flues and chimneys
should be checked by a professional also. Be able to recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning. If you suspect that you
or family members are experiencing these symptoms, call 911.
Should I install a carbon monoxide alarm?
Since early warning can save your and your family's lives, the Consumer
Product Safety Commission recommends that every home have at least one carbon
monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal installed near a sleeping area.
Choose a CO alarm that is listed by the Underwriters Laboratory. The
International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends that a CO alarm be installed
on every level of a home.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you are
heating your home by fire place or gas stove or are
using a portable generator, please be
aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Low
levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with
flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses and can
have a long-term health risk if left unattended. Some of
the symptoms are the following.
-
Shortness of breath
-
Mild nausea
-
Mild headaches
Moderate levels of CO exposure can cause
death if the following symptoms persist for a long
measure of time.
-
Headaches
-
Dizziness
-
Nausea
-
Light-headedness
High levels of CO can be fatal causing
death within minutes.
There are immediate measures you can
take to help those suffering from carbon monoxide
poisoning.
-
Get the victim into fresh air
immediately.
-
If you cannot get the person out of
the house, then open all windows and doors. Any
combustion appliances should be turned off.
Call 911 immediately.
The Sedgwick county
Fire Department reminds you to take special precautions
during power outages to reduce your risk of illness or
death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Do not run
generators inside of any building, make sure they are
at least 10 feet away from a building. Do not refuel
running or hot generators.
- Do not use
cooking stoves, ranges, barbecue grills, or other
heating appliances not intended for indoor heating
inside your home.
- Do not use
candles for light.
- If you use gas-fueled portable heaters be sure they are approved for
indoor use, have tip-over protection, have the correct
fuel in them and are clear from combustible materials
- at least 36 inches.
- When using any
alternative heating source, be sure you have adequate
ventilation in your home, crack a window open if
needed.
- Do not use any
alternative heating unless you have a working smoke
alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
- Have
a working fire extinguisher in your home.
©, Copyright, 2005 Sedgwick County Fire District #1
last update:
11/26/07
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