Harm of CO and Prevention
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is produced in the burning of fossil fuels and other combustible materials. In the outdoor environment carbon monoxide is produced from the incomplete combustion of gasoline and other fuels primarily from vehicles. In an indoor environment, CO can come from burning fuels, such as propane, natural gas, fuel oil, and wood; as well as from smoking and smoking related products, gas ranges and ovens, and central heating systems.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the result of inhaling large amounts of CO over a short period of time (minutes to hours). When there is too much CO in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This makes it impossible for your blood to carry the oxygen needed to survive, leading to major damage to your internal organs.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning symptoms vary in severity, but can range from mild to sudden death. Milder cases of CO poisoning can cause ailments such as dizziness, nausea, a headache, and fatigue. In more severe cases, symptoms may include difficulty breathing, confusion, vomiting, and losing consciousness. Long-term exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause permanent brain damage and neurological effects.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can be prevented through appropriate planning and maintenance of fuel burning devices and appliances in both the indoor and outdoor environment.
Have your fuel burning appliances, such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, chimneys, space heaters, and fireplaces, inspected and serviced every year.
Never use a charcoal grill or any other fuel burning device, such as a gas generator or a portable camp stove, in an enclosed space.
Test your home for an elevated CO level to make sure carbon monoxide is not seeping into the house from an outside source.
Install CO alarms in your home. Replace batteries in the CO alarms once a year.
If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or experience any of the other symptoms associated with CO poisoning, get out of the house immediately and go to an open area with fresh air.
If you think you may have a CO poisoning, seek medical attention.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is produced in the burning of fossil fuels and other combustible materials. Inhaling high levels of CO over a period of time can be very dangerous and can lead to major health complications such as brain damage and death. Fortunately, you can prevent CO poisoning by following the tips and advice outlined above, such as having fuel burning appliances inspected and serviced, installing CO detectors and alarms in your home, using fuel burning devices properly, and getting out of the house if you’re experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning. Properly following these steps can help to ensure that you, your family, and your home stay safe from the risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.
