Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

25 Oct 2009 11:56 AM

Carbon monoxide is a danger to people and pets -- it is an odorless and colorless gas that can lead to sudden illness... and death. It comes from the fumes produced by burning or combustion, like car and truck engines, stoves, lanterns, generators, and heating systems. In enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces, carbon monoxide can build up and poison the people (or pets) breathing it.

Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

In severe cases, carbon monoxide inhalation can lead to loss of consciousness and death.

Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous? For one thing, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms look a lot like other illnesses. People who are asleep or intoxicated when exposed to carbon monoxide may die before ever experiencing any of the common symptoms listed above.

But the main danger is internal. Red blood cells gather carbon monoxide more easily than they do good, healthy oxygen. In situations where there is a lot of carbon monoxide in the air, the body may replace oxygen in the blood with carbon monoxide. This is what damages tissues, causes symptoms, and can lead to death.

Certain people (and animals) are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning than others. High risk groups include unborn babies, infants, people with anemia, and people with chronic heart or lung problems. Fatality rates for carbon monoxide poisoning are highest among people over the age of sixty-five.

Ready to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home? Here are some tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Have your heating system, water heater, and any gas/oil/coal burning appliances serviced annually by a qualified technician.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Check or replace batteries every six months.
• If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, leave the house immediately and call for help.
• Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are experiencing any of the common symptoms listed above.
• Don't leave your car or truck running in a garage attached to the house -- even if the garage door is open.
• Make sure all stoves and fireplaces are properly vented to the outside before use.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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